Whooping cough is on the rise: Why are the number of cases currently so high? Who is particularly at risk and how long does a vaccination protect? Answers to the most frequently asked questions.
A barking, spasmodic cough that shakes the entire body: This year, a particularly high number of people in Germany are suffering from whooping cough – a development that can be observed throughout Europe. What you should know about it.
Why are the numbers so high this year?
The current increase probably has several causes. For example, pediatrician and epidemiologist Viktoria Schönfeld from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) told the dpa: “There are natural fluctuations that lead to significantly higher numbers every three, four, five years. It is possible that we are now slipping into something like that.” In addition, according to Schönfeld, there are catch-up effects after the corona pandemic and more frequent whooping cough tests.
How does whooping cough manifest itself?
According to the RKI, the highly contagious disease progresses in three stages in unvaccinated people: In the first one to two weeks, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and slight cough as well as mild or no fever occur.
In the second stage, which lasts four to six weeks, the typical spasmodic coughing fits occur, which can end with a gasping intake of air. The coughing fits can be accompanied by gagging and vomiting, with vomiting occurring mainly in small children. Fever is also rare in this phase.
In the third stage, the disease slowly subsides. However, the dry cough can persist for months.
What complications are possible?
According to the RKI, the most common complication of whooping cough is pneumonia. Up to ten percent of infants and elderly people who contract the disease are affected. Other possible complications include sinus and ear infections, incontinence, and hernias and ribs in the case of particularly severe coughing fits.
How long is the incubation period?
According to the RKI, the incubation period – i.e. the time between the penetration of the pathogen and the appearance of the first symptoms – is usually nine to ten days.
How do you get infected and how long are you contagious?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is caused by bacteria – mostly the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough is transmitted through droplet infection, mainly when sneezing, coughing or talking. The infectiousness is particularly high in the first two weeks of infection and can last up to five weeks after the onset of the disease.
Who is particularly at risk?
According to the RKI, the disease in adolescents and adults as well as in most vaccinated children often only occurs as a long-lasting cough.
However, complications can occur in people with underlying illnesses, the elderly and newborns. “Pertussis is particularly dangerous for infants, particularly those who are very small, i.e. under six months old,” says RKI expert Schönfeld. When infants become ill, many of them are taken to hospital for observation or treatment.
“The risk with infants is that they don’t necessarily stand out with a cough, but rather, as with many other illnesses, they stop drinking and become weak. Instead of coughing fits, they often stop breathing. That’s what makes the whole thing dangerous.” However, deaths are rare in Germany.
How is whooping cough treated?
Antibiotics are used in therapy, but they are usually only effective in the first three weeks of the infection and should therefore be used early.
To combat the cough, which often lasts for months, the professional association of pediatricians recommends frequent drinking and fresh air. “Regular inhalations with sea salt and warm chest compresses with lemon juice before going to bed are considered home remedies that alleviate the symptoms a little,” the association’s website also states.
How is whooping cough vaccinated?
In view of their particular risk, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (Stiko) recommends vaccination for all children and infants, which is administered in the form of three doses – usually as a triple vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough – in the first year of life. In order for immunity to last, the vaccination must be refreshed in preschool and adolescence as well as in adulthood.
In addition, since March 2020, the Stiko has recommended that all pregnant women be vaccinated against whooping cough at the beginning of the third trimester – regardless of the last booster. If there is a risk of premature birth, the vaccination should be given in the second trimester. This is intended to provide a nest of protection for the newborn child that will protect it until the first vaccination.
Will an infection protect me for the rest of my life?
According to the RKI, a whooping cough infection does not build up lifelong immunity. Those who have recovered are protected from reinfection for a maximum of 10 to 20 years.
Do I have to quarantine if I have whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a notifiable disease. According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), the rules of infection protection apply to protect other people from the disease. “Children and adults who have whooping cough or who are suspected of having whooping cough are temporarily not allowed to visit or work in community facilities such as schools or kindergartens,” says the BZgA’s “Infection Protection” information service.
Those affected must inform the community facility about the illness. “Staying in community facilities is generally permitted five days after starting antibiotic therapy or if a swab test has ruled out a suspicion of illness, provided the state of health allows it.” Without antibiotic treatment, re-admission is generally possible three weeks after the cough begins.