Last year, more than 32,000 people were infected with whooping cough in Poland. In 2023, there were not even a thousand cases. This means a 35-fold increase in the number of patients. Doctors talk about an epidemic of whooping cough, but add that it is easy to protect against it – just get vaccinated.
Each coughing attack reminds us of the moments of a week ago – the worst in Christian’s three-month life. – It was practically a struggle for his life, because he could not breathe and it was very difficult, – says Mrs. Magdalena Vasik, the child’s mother.
The boy was attacked by the whooping cough bacteria. One that at first pretends to be a common cold, and two weeks after infection produces such a thick secretion that children can’t deal with it and can’t breathe.
– Apnea can last for a long time, it causes lack of oxygen to the brain and can lead to death. However, it can cause a child’s disability – notes Professor Lidia Stopira, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics of the Special Hospital. Stefan Jeromski in Krakow.
Zuzia had a stroke at the age of 8. – Paresis of the left part of the body was complete. Doctors blame COVID-19 Adrianna Otreba/TVN Fact
A large increase in the number of patients
This is a real threat because we have an epidemic of whooping cough. – The most serious crisis related to this disease in 50 years. We have not had so many cases in a year after the introduction of universal vaccines, – warns the chief sanitary doctor, Dr. Pavel Grzesiowski.
The number of vaccines is decreasing, but the number of people with this disease is increasing. Last year, more than 32,000 people were infected with whooping cough. By comparison, in 2023 there were not even a thousand cases. This means a 35-fold increase in the number of patients.
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-Now imagine, the National Stadium is full of people who are only gasping, coughing and unable to breathe. This is the scale we are talking about, explains Dr. Kamila Ludwikowski from the Department of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases at the Wrocław University Clinical Hospital.
– Whooping cough is also very contagious, like measles. One person can infect up to 17 people, – notes Professor Joanna Zajkowska from the Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections at the University Clinical Hospital in Białystok.
If adults are banned, they will get tired of coughing, but the elderly and the little ones are at risk. – Vaccination is the only option and an easy way to prevent the disease, – says Professor Lidia Stopira.
More and more people in Poland suffer from whooping cough, and its complications can be fatal
Frequent vaccine withdrawals, waning immunity after covid and the natural cyclical increase in diseases meant that Dr. Stopira had a full ward of patients.
Doctors apply for vaccination
Adults should receive the vaccine every 10 years. The vaccine is non-refundable. It is free and mandatory for children. For pregnant women – recommended and free. – Every pregnant woman can be vaccinated against whooping cough, which ensures the immunity of the woman and the child – emphasizes Yakub Golab, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health.
– cerebral hypoxia, rib fractures, bone fractures. “I don’t know how people madly abandon vaccinations and risk their beautiful, dreamy, mentally retarded child just because he breathes when he coughs,” admits Professor Krzysztof Simon from the Department of Infectious Diseases. and hepatology at the Medical University of Wrocław.
READ ALSO: whooping cough in Poland. An insidious disease mixed with a cold
The chief sanitary doctor recommends, among other things, additional vaccination of eighteen-year-old children and the return of vaccination for adults, because the epidemic has not ended.
Main photo source: TVN “Fakti”
