1,800 new cases of whooping cough, including fifty cases in children

In the first two weeks of April, 1,800 cases of whooping cough were reported, including fifty cases in children. The death of a person over 80 years old with whooping cough has also been reported.

Most people became ill in March, but only went to the doctor in April. Therefore, it is not clear whether the number of whooping cough cases is still increasing.

According to RIVM, the numbers are very high compared to previous years, as well as compared to the years before the Corona pandemic.

The number this year is 5,303 children, including 276 children. Nearly half of the children were hospitalized and four of them died from whooping cough.

Throughout 2023, the RIVM received 2,842 reports of whooping cough.

Whooping cough is highly contagious and especially dangerous for children. Coughing, among other things, can cause a lack of oxygen, causing brain damage.

The RIVM sees a peak in the number of pertussis reports every two to four years. A major peak was also seen in 2012.

The RIVM believes that measures taken against the coronavirus have also helped prevent the spread of whooping cough. As a result, few people develop immunity to the disease. As a result, the number of reports is now expected to increase.

Another reason is the low vaccination rate. Because parents do not fully vaccinate their children, the risk of an outbreak increases. Health services are concerned about this

The number of reports of measles appears to be decreasing. In the last two weeks, the RIVM has received a report in the Utrecht region and a report in the North Limburg region. There were also new reports from the South-East Brabant region, where there was a previous outbreak. GGD conducts source and contact research.

NOS op 3 previously provided this explanation about infectious diseases and vaccination: