Health Ministry warns of rise in whooping cough cases, urges vaccination
Renee Ghert-Zand is the health reporter and a feature writer for The Times of Israel.
The Health Ministry says the number of reported cases of pertussis (whooping cough) is continuing to grow and urges the public to vaccinate against the potentially deadly disease.
In August there were 166 new cases, 190 in July, 122 in June and 94 in May. A 10-week-old infant in Jerusalem died of whooping cough in early June after the Health Ministry warned of an alarming increase in cases over last year. Most of the new cases have been in Jerusalem and specifically among ultra-Orthodox communities, where housing is crowded and vaccination rates are lower than in other populations.
In its latest warning, the ministry says that a significant portion of the instances of the disease over the summer are occurring in other parts of the country as well. Most of the illnesses and hospitalizations are among babies younger than six months who have not yet been vaccinated and for whom the disease is most dangerous.
Pertussis is a highly contagious but preventable disease caused by bacteria that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It is especially dangerous for babies, who can experience severe coughing and wheezing, among other symptoms like vomiting, fever, and a runny nose. In the worst cases, apnea (pauses in breathing), cyanosis (turning blue), and death can occur.
Vaccination against pertussis involves a series of shots beginning at two months. Childhood pertussis vaccines end at 13, and adults are advised to get a booster shot after age 18 — especially medical students and healthcare workers. Pregnant women are strongly advised to receive the pertussis vaccination in their third trimester to provide protection for newborns until they can get their first dose.
