Netherlands: Whooping cough cases increasing rapidly
The increase is mainly reported in areas with a low vaccination rate
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, or RIVM, reports an increase in pertussis, or whooping cough cases.
The number of reports of whooping cough has been increasing since last June 2023 and is much higher than in previous years, both in children and adults.
Currently, approximately 250 patients with whooping cough are reported every week. In 2019 this was 120 per week, in 2018 it was 91 per week. The RIVM suspects that we are seeing underreporting because not everyone with whooping cough is tested.
About 110 children, of which approximately 20 are babies, are now diagnosed with whooping cough every week. The increase is mainly visible in areas with a low vaccination rate.
It is precisely this group that RIVM is concerned about. Babies can become very ill from whooping cough and need to be admitted to hospital. Very occasionally a baby dies from whooping cough. More than 90% of babies with whooping cough in 2024 were not protected by vaccination. About half of these babies have been hospitalized.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria which are transmitted via direct contact with the respiratory secretions of infected persons. Classic pertussis symptoms include paroxysmal coughing (commonly followed by a high-pitched “whooping” sound) and post-tussive gagging or vomiting. Pertussis can cause serious illness and can be life-threatening, especially in infants. Around half of infants less than 1 year of age with pertussis require hospitalization.
Providers should ensure that all patients, regardless of age, are up-to-date on pertussis vaccination.