Two infants die of whooping cough in Montpellier: what we know

there Whooping cough It struck again: two babies under three months old died in Montpellier, the media announced on Monday, June 17. Free midday Professor Eric Jezorski, Head of the Department of Pediatric Emergency and Post-Emergency at Montpellier University Hospital. These deaths are occurring in the context of a resurgence of this highly contagious disease caused by bacteria Bordetella pertussis.

First death in April

In April, there were four babies under three months old He was taken to hospital in Nice Because of whooping cough. One of them did not survive. In the first quarter, about fifteen clusters were also identified in France Public health France.

Follower Epidemics Significant cases of whooping cough have also been reported in other European countries, such as Croatia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany. This epidemic may intensify in the coming months, according to a French public health report.

Read also: You're coughing: How do you know if it's whooping cough?

When is vaccination against whooping cough given?

In the face of the resurgence of the disease, the French Public Health Agency is calling for urgent action “Enhancing public awareness of this disease and ways to prevent it”, vaccination in the head.

“Vaccination against whooping cough is mandatory for infants (since January 1, 2018) and is recommended for children born before this date.” He reminds himhealth insurance. This vaccine consists of one injection at two months and one at four months, followed by a booster shot at 11 months, then 6 years, and then between 11 and 13 years.

The summons must take place at the age of 25 years. If this augmentation is not performed at this age, it can be performed at any time between 26 and 39 years.

Finally, facing the epidemiological context, health authorities also call on pregnant women to be vaccinated to protect their unborn children, during every pregnancy.