Can Whooping Cough Be Fatal in Children Under Age 2?
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Synopsis
Discover the alarming risks associated with pertussis, or whooping cough, in infants under two. This article delves into a pivotal study that underscores the urgent need for maternal vaccination during pregnancy, ensuring the safety of our youngest. Learn how timely intervention can save lives and protect future generations.
Key Takeaways
- Pertussis poses a serious risk to infants.
- Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is critical.
- Symptoms may differ in infants compared to older children.
- High white blood cell counts in infants should raise suspicion of pertussis.
- Timely antibiotic treatment can mitigate symptoms.
New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, poses a serious threat to young infants, as highlighted by a recent study emphasizing the necessity for maternal vaccination during pregnancy.
This highly contagious bacterial respiratory ailment leads to intense coughing episodes, often culminating in a distinctive high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation. The symptoms can persist for months in both children and adults.
“Symptoms of pertussis vary in infants,” noted Caitlin Li, the leading author and an infectious disease specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
“The typical whooping sound may not be present, but apnoea, or interruptions in breathing, is frequently observed,” added Li, who also serves as an Assistant Professor of pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
In infants, pertussis may also manifest as a significantly high white blood cell count (leukocytosis), which pediatricians might misinterpret as cancer or other non-infectious conditions.
The researchers, in a special report published in the journal Pediatrics, emphasized that extremely elevated white blood cell counts in infants should raise suspicion of pertussis. They strongly advocate for vaccination during pregnancy.
“Since infants are particularly vulnerable to complications, vaccinating mothers against pertussis during pregnancy is essential to safeguard newborns from this potentially lethal illness,” Li remarked.
“Broad vaccination initiatives are also critical for protecting the wider community.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends vaccine doses at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and at 4-6 years of age.
A booster dose is suggested at ages 11-12, with catch-up vaccinations at 18 years. The CDC also endorses universal vaccination during pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, as the primary method to avert pertussis-related fatalities.
Swift administration of antibiotics is advised for all individuals with confirmed or suspected pertussis. If administered early, this treatment may alleviate symptoms. Although later treatment might not influence symptoms, it does help in reducing transmission, the team noted.
Point of View
My perspective aligns with the urgent need to prioritize maternal vaccination against pertussis. This study highlights a critical public health issue that demands attention, ensuring the safety of our vulnerable infants. We must advocate for widespread vaccination to combat this preventable disease.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system characterized by severe coughing fits.
How can whooping cough affect infants?
In infants, whooping cough can lead to serious complications, including breathing interruptions and high white blood cell counts, which may be mistaken for other conditions.
Why is maternal vaccination important?
Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is crucial as it protects newborns from potentially fatal pertussis infections.
What does the CDC recommend for pertussis vaccination?
The CDC recommends a series of vaccinations for children at specific ages, along with booster doses, and emphasizes universal vaccination during pregnancy.
What should be done if pertussis is suspected?
Rapid initiation of antibiotics is recommended for anyone with confirmed or suspected pertussis to improve symptoms and reduce transmission.
