Suspected whooping cough cases hit new weekly high in Hungary

The data published on Monday by the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK) cover the period from 22 to 28 July. They show the detection of 41 suspected cases of pertussis, the highest weekly figure so far this year, over the previous record of 32 suspected cases on the 29th week.

"The microbiological tests performed confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 14 cases. Diagnostic tests are still ongoing for the remaining patients," the NNGYK report said.

This rate of spread of pertussis is consistent with epidemic spread. We wrote about this in this article, and last week the NNGYK has at last acknowledged the new situation.

The number of suspected cases this year reached 226 by 28 July.

The graph below shows what a special year it has been for whooping cough in Hungary.

This week's report also reveals that the reports of the suspected whooping cough cases came from the capital and 10 counties (Bács-Kiskun, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Csongrád-Csanád, Fejér, Hajdú-Bihar, Heves, Pest, Somogy, Tolna and Zala). We have already pointed out that the infection is present in all counties, which was one of the criteria for the NNGYK to declare an epidemic.

It remains true that the infection poses the greatest risk to infants. According to official figures, infants are the group with the highest number of suspected cases, with 15 cases in the country last week alone, bringing the number of cases among babies to 63 in the first 30 weeks. Infants account for 28% of the total number of cases.

In light of this, it is no coincidence that last week, despite its failure to declare an epidemic, the NNGYK actually took epidemic [prevention and control] measures. These are worth keeping in mind for the future:

1. No visitation or very restricted visitation of newborns for six to eight weeks after birth. Avoid crowded places during this period, as the infant's immune system is still partially unprotected against environmental influences and infections.
2. The booster vaccine is recommended for pregnant women because it also protects the newborn.
3. The NNGYK reminds the public that vaccination is also recommended for family members living in the same household as the infant and for those involved in the care of the infant. At present, the vaccine for pertussis revaccination is available to pharmacies nationwide and the availability of the vaccine is continuously monitored by the authority.

We have recently asked the epidemiological authority whether they plan to take any new steps in the light of the new situation. We are waiting for answers to the following questions, among others:

• Are you planning to recommend vaccination (booster shots) not only to a group of the population, but to make it compulsory for certain groups, e.g. those who provide long-term care for babies on a professional basis, i.e. health workers? If they are not made compulsory, will they be recommended to get a shot? If so, when will this be done?
• What other recommendations have been made for health care institutions where babies who have not yet been vaccinated against whooping cough are cared for or may be admitted to certain wards?
• Are there any plans to issue further recommendations on the rapid spread of pertussis, including on vaccination?

Cover photo (for illustration purposes only): Getty Images