What is the prevalence of Pertussis?
How many people does Pertussis affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a "whooping" sound. Pertussis can affect individuals of all ages, but infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to its complications, including pneumonia and seizures. The prevalence of pertussis varies over time and across regions. Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of pertussis. It is recommended that individuals receive the pertussis vaccine as part of their routine immunization schedule to protect themselves and others from this potentially serious disease.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a "whooping" sound when the person tries to breathe in. Pertussis can affect individuals of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
The prevalence of pertussis varies across different regions and populations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 16 million cases of pertussis occur worldwide each year, resulting in approximately 195,000 deaths. However, it is important to note that these figures may be underestimated due to underreporting and limited access to healthcare in certain areas.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of pertussis in some countries, including developed nations with high vaccination coverage. This highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and vaccination efforts to control the spread of the disease. Vaccination, particularly through routine childhood immunization programs, remains the most effective strategy for preventing pertussis and reducing its prevalence.
