Mexico: Whooping cough increase prompts health alert
The Mexican Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert due to the notable increase in cases of whooping cough, or pertussis in the country.
Through February 15, 120 cases have been confirmed, representing an incidence of 0.08 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, distributed across 21 states in the country. This increase is alarming when compared to the 15 cases recorded in the same period in 2024.
The states with the highest number of confirmed cases are Nuevo León (24 cases), Mexico City (13), and Aguascalientes (11). In addition, 460 probable cases have been reported that are currently under epidemiological investigation.
Whooping cough is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory system caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is characterized by episodes of intense coughing that can make breathing difficult and, in some cases, produce a high-pitched sound when inhaling. Initial symptoms are usually similar to those of a common cold, including nasal congestion, sneezing, and mild fever. As the disease progresses, the cough becomes more severe and persistent.
Whooping cough is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled when coughing or sneezing. Close contact with an infected person significantly increases the risk of contagion. It is also possible to contract the disease by touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory secretions and then touching the mouth or nose.
The treatment of whooping cough involves the administration of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and reduce the spread of the disease. It is essential to start treatment in the early stages to minimize complications. In addition, isolation of the patient is recommended to avoid contagion, especially in school and work environments.
Given this situation, health authorities urged the population to keep up to date with the vaccination schedule, especially in children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to complications of the disease. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent whooping cough and control its spread in the community.
Pertussis, or whooping cough in the US in 2024
The recommended vaccination schedule in Mexico includes the acellular pentavalent vaccine, which protects against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b infections, and poliomyelitis. It is administered in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age. Subsequently, the triple bacterial vaccine – against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus – is administered at 4 years of age as a booster. In pregnant women, the acellular triple bacterial vaccine is recommended between weeks 20 and 32 of gestation to protect the newborn in their first months of life.
To prevent the spread of whooping cough, authorities recommend maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding touching the face without first washing them, and not sharing utensils or personal items. It is important to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues properly and clean commonly used surfaces. It is also advisable to keep newborns away from people with cold symptoms and, if they have the illness, follow medical instructions and remain in isolation to avoid contagion.