Whooping cough on the rise - NICD
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says there has been an increase in the number of whooping cough cases.
According to the NICD, initial signs and symptoms are similar to the common cold and may include nasal congestion, runny nose and mild sore throat.
The disease, officially known as pertussis, declined in 2020 when the country introduced Covid-19 prevention measures.
The NICD has linked the increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, including wearing masks.
“From the beginning of 2022 to 15 September, 147 pertussis cases were notified, with a steady increase in the number of cases reported since May and a sharp increase from July through August and September,” the NICD said in a statement.
“Parents/guardians with children less than 5 years of age are encouraged to ensure that children are up to date with vaccination and to seek medical help early especially for the very young where the illness may be severe. Pertussis symptoms may vary from person to person.
"Of the 34 children less than five years of age, only 26 have vaccination statuses, of which 65% were up to date with their vaccinations. The disease is preventable through vaccination.”
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