The Ministry of Health reports that whooping cough, or pertussis has so far caused 14 deaths and resulted in more than 180 cases—both confirmed and suspected—in Honduras.
Infections have been recorded in 16 of the country’s 20 health regions, with the highest incidence in the northern zone, particularly in the departments of Cortés, Colón, Yoro, Lempira, and Santa Bárbara.
Officials also urged the public to complete vaccination schedules—especially for children—as the primary preventive measure against this highly contagious disease, which affects minors most severely.
The head of the Ministry of Health’s Expanded Program on Immunization explained that the vaccination schedule for this disease consists of five doses administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age; between 15 and 18 months; and again between ages 4 and 6, in order to build protection from early childhood.
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Authorities attribute the surge in cases to vaccination coverage falling below the 95% level recommended to prevent outbreaks, as well as to misinformation that discourages parents from visiting health centers.
Nationwide, approximately 17,000 infants under one year of age have not yet started their vaccination schedule, placing them at risk of illness.
The specialist also warned that the disease spreads easily from person to person through droplets expelled when coughing, sneezing, or speaking; infants are the most vulnerable, especially when infected by family members or caregivers.
Finally, the official reiterated the call for the public to visit health centers if symptoms appear and to avoid self-medication, while emphasizing the importance of vaccination as the primary tool for preventing complications and reducing the risk of death.
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“In Honduras, the recorded deaths are among children,” explained the head of the Expanded Program on Immunization. Seven of the deaths involved infants under 30 days old, and three others involved infants approximately three months of age.