Three children with whooping cough were in life-threatening condition at the Kepler University Hospital in Linz. “The increase is dramatic,” senior doctor Ariane Biebl warns of more and more cases. Last year, 1,586 infections were reported in Upper Austria, compared to 76 in 1990. What’s causing the increase and how it can be stopped.
A baby had such a violent coughing fit that one of the hereditary weakened blood vessels in his head burst. Another child had to have his blood replaced twice because his white blood cells had risen dangerously. As reported, a total of three children – two infants between zero and two months and a child almost two years old – were in life-threatening condition at Kepler University Hospital with a whooping cough infection.
The good news: “All three were able to leave the intensive care unit,” senior doctor Ariane Biebl now cautiously tells the “Krone”. “One child is already at home, one is waiting for rehabilitation and one is still in the normal ward.”
Whooping cough cases exploded
Even if the three children are out of danger, the whooping cough situation is not reassuring, as the number of cases has increased exponentially in recent years: in 1990, 76 whooping cough infections were registered in Upper Austria, in 2019 there were 414 and in 2019 there were 414 . the previous year 1,586 “The increase is dramatic,” says Biebl.
The senior doctor cites the ‘insufficient vaccination rate’ and the corona pandemic as reasons for this, as a result of which many adults have not been naturally vaccinated against whooping cough. These parents, grandparents and older siblings are now believed to be infecting more and more small children.
Vaccination during pregnancy
Whooping cough, which is transmitted via droplets, is particularly dangerous for infants: “In them, the disease manifests itself through pauses in breathing,” Biebl explains. The highly contagious infection can be recognized by the fact that babies have difficulty drinking or become quieter.
The only preventive measure is vaccination, says Biebl, who advises adults to check their vaccination status. A refresher course is required every ten years. Expectant mothers can offer their children nest protection by getting vaccinated in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
