The importance and importance of compulsory vaccination points to the increased incidence of whooping cough in Slovakia and the neighboring countries in the past year. The most endangered group is the smallest children. This was pointed out by the Department of Communication of the Public Health Authority (ÚVZ) on the occasion of the European Immunization Week. At the same time, the Office initiated the convening of a round table where experts will seek specific joint morbidity solutions.
“We are in Slovakia in the period of increased incidence. In 2024 we recorded 7306 cases of whooping cough, this year we record average about 150 cases each week”Said the ÚVZ, saying that he is not currently seeing an epidemic occurrence in school facilities, but the disease is spreading mainly within families.
He explained that the increased incidence of the disease would occur when the number of susceptible people increases in the population. The receptive population consists of people who are not vaccinated, as well as those whose protective antibodies have significantly decreased over time.
ÚVZ added that the most endangered group is the smallest children who cannot be vaccinated for age. “In the age group of 0-year-old children, the highest incidence of the disease and, unfortunately, also recorded two deaths“He noted the office. Hygienists have explained that children who cannot be vaccinated for age or health are protected by collective immunity (95 percent or more), which reduces the risk that if they come into contact with the bacteria that cause whooping whooping cough, they will be infected.
The ÚVZ regularly draws attention to the importance and importance of pertussis vaccination, and, in the case of outbreaks of the infection, the necessary anti -epidemic measures takes the necessary outbreaks. “However, we assume that at least in the first half of 2025 we will record a higher level of morbidity”He explained.
In addition to addressing the current situation in the incidence of whooping cough, hygienists also want to address the topic of vaccination against whooping cough in adults for whom it is not mandatory. “We also register increased morbidity. Attention should also be paid to the recommended vaccination of pregnant women against whooping cough (in the 27th – 36th week of pregnancy) after consultation with a general practitioner and gynecologist and after taking into account the health condition of the woman”They pointed out.
Experts have explained that the aim of vaccination is to protect the pregnant woman as well as the child in the first weeks after birth. After vaccination of a pregnant woman, specific antibodies are transferred to the child and protected them in a vulnerable period when she can not yet be vaccinated for low age.
Black cough is a highly infectious disease affecting the airways, which is manifested by severe cough attacks. The disease is caused by the Bordetella pertussis. The infection is mainly transmitted by a droplet infection. A sick person is contagious three to four days before clinical signs have appeared.
