A record number of whooping cough cases were reported in Ireland last year, according to the State’s infectious diseases watchdog.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It causes long bouts of coughing and choking in children, making it hard to breathe.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said there were 713 cases recorded last year, of which 539 were confirmed, 99 were probable and 75 were possible infections.
There were 125 cases among infants aged up to five months who were too young to have received their full three-dose primary immunisation course. There were a further 115 cases (16.1 per cent) among children aged one to two years, 77 (10.8 per cent) were recorded among five- to nine-year-olds and 70 (9.8 per cent) in those aged 10 to 14.
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More than a quarter of last year’s cases (185) resulted in the infected patient needing hospital treatment; 82 of those involved infants aged five months or younger.
According to the HPSC, whooping cough surges in cycles every five to six years, with the last surge seen in 2016 and 2017. The watchdog said the delayed surge is likely a consequence of the lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The rise in cases has continued in the first three months of this year, with 85 cases (59 confirmed, five probable and 21 possible) reported. Cases are expected to rise further in the spring and summer months, the HPSC said.
The HSE has urged pregnant women to get the vaccine against whooping cough between weeks 16 and 36 of their pregnancy. The vaccine is available free of charge from participating GPs.
[ Whooping cough cases in country increase by 3,000% in a yearOpens in new window ]
Dr Chantal Migone, consultant in public health medicine at the HSE’s National Immunisation Office, emphasised the importance of vaccination for pregnant women seeking to protect their babies.
“Young babies are most vulnerable to whooping cough as they do not start their vaccinations against whooping cough until they are two months old,” she said. “This makes them particularly susceptible to serious complications, including respiratory distress, hospitalisation and sadly, in some cases, death.”
Dr Migone said getting vaccinated during pregnancy allows mothers to protect themselves and to pass on “critical immunity to their baby”.
“It’s one of the most effective ways to safeguard your baby’s health before they can receive their own vaccines.”
Paediatrician Dr Ciara Martin, who is the national clinical adviser for children and young people at the HSE, said the impact of whooping cough on newborns can be quite severe.
“Babies with pertussis often struggle to breathe. Pertussis can also cause severe coughing fits which affect the babies’ ability to feed and sleep and some infants will need intensive hospital care,” she said.
“The reality is that whooping cough can be life threatening for young babies, yet a simple vaccine during pregnancy can provide them with vital protection from birth.”
