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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
American honeymoon hotspot hit by highly contagious illness, health officials warn
While cases of measles continue to spread throughout the U.S., Hawaii is reporting a new type of infectious spread. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise at a "worrying rate" in the Aloha State, the State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed last week in a news release. As of May 15, there have been 108 cases of pertussis reported, already exceeding the 84 total cases in 2024. Cdc Removes Covid Vaccine Recommendation For Healthy Children And Pregnant Women The DOH labeled pertussis a "highly contagious respiratory disease" that spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Symptoms often resemble a cold but can progress to "intense coughing fits." Read On The Fox News App For children, these coughing fits can be followed by a "deep breath" that makes a "whooping" sound. "Health complications can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated," the DOH warned. Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, encephalopathy (a disease of the brain) and death. Doctors Warn Of 'Trifecta' Of Chronic Illnesses Plaguing Americans After Maha Report The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination, according to the DOH. The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine is administered to children under 7 years old and the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is for older children and adults. Multiple doses are generally recommended for infants, children and adults. "High vaccination rates protect individuals and communities and prevent cases from becoming outbreaks," the agency noted. "However, vaccination rates for all routinely recommended vaccinations for school entry – including those for measles, pertussis, polio and varicella (chickenpox) – have declined nationally and in Hawaii since 2019." Measles Outbreaks Emerge Across Us: See Which States Have Reported Cases Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel confirmed that Hawaii is below the national average in terms of childhood vaccines, noting that the DTaP vaccine is "highly effective" in children, with close to 100% protection with appropriate dosages. "Pertussis is insidious, and can be easily mistaken for other respiratory diseases, including viruses," Siegel told Fox News Digital. "Pertussis, which is a bacteria, can be treated with antibiotics like doxycycline but is easily missed. The best protection is vaccination, including repeated boosters in teens and adults." Siegel explained that the "characteristic whoop" sound among children is caused by clogged airways that are not yet well-developed. Is Mmr Vaccine Safe For Kids? Dr. Nicole Saphier Addresses Concerns As Measles Cases Rise About one-third of babies under 1 year who contract whooping cough are at risk of hospitalization, according to the doctor. "The best protection is for everyone around them to be vaccinated," he said. "Pertussis outbreaks are now connected to a drop-off in early childhood vaccination." Neha Pathak, MD, WebMD chief physician editor, echoed that pertussis is "still a significant public health threat," especially for infants and people with weakened immune systems. "The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine offers strong protection to children — about 98 out of 100 children are protected for at least a year after the fifth dose, and about 70% are still protected for up to five years," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. While vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) can provide lifelong protection, pertussis immunity decreases over time, which means boosters are necessary for adolescents and adults, Pathak noted. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "The uptick in pertussis cases is concerning, but not surprising given what we are seeing with vaccine hesitancy," she commented. "Pregnant women should also get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to pass antibodies to their newborns, protecting them before they can be vaccinated," the doctor suggested. Hawaii confirmed two cases of measles in early April and concluded there was no further community spread. Despite the current situation being under control, the health department warned that measles exposure is still a threat among travelers. For more Health articles, visit "Measles cases in the United States continue to rise, with more than 1,000 cases already reported across 30 states this year," the department noted. "The risk remains high for future travel-related measles cases reaching Hawaii, and DOH recommends continued vigilance and efforts to increase the MMR vaccination rate." The DOH stressed its "strong" recommendation for children and adults to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations for disease article source: American honeymoon hotspot hit by highly contagious illness, health officials warn
The Star
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Free Tdap vaccination offer to pregnant women at 28-32 weeks
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad talking to the press during the official opening and open day of the North Seberang Perai Wellness Hub at Sungai Dua health clinic in Butterworth. (February 8, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. PUTRAJAYA: The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation from yesterday, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic). The Health Minister said the Tdap vaccination is being offered at all Health Ministry primary health facilities that provide maternal health services nationwide. 'This vaccine is aimed at providing early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough) before completing the vaccination schedule. 'International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby,' he said at the national-level Immunisation Day celebration held here yesterday, Bernama reported. He said that although the ministry does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are, however, strongly encouraged to do so. He said that in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the ministry has also launched the influenza immunisation programme for senior citizens on Feb 18 by targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness. Dzulkefly said that as of Wednesday, a total of 97,355 senior citizens have received the influenza vaccine at the ministry's facilities. He also said the national immunisation policy is regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines and, as such, emphasised that all vaccines used in Malaysia have undergone rigorous efficacy and safety assessments by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and are continuously monitored by the ministry. 'There is a growing concern regarding the false dissemination of fake news and information, and this undermines public confidence. 'I understand that some parents are still unsure. 'I urge everyone to always refer to official sources because the decision we take today will affect the health of future generations,' he said.
Vancouver Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Whooping cough cases on the rise in Pemberton area
Health officials are advising people in the Pemberton area to watch for symptoms of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, after a spike in cases. Vancouver Coastal Health says whooping cough is a serious infection of the airways caused by whooping cough bacteria. While people of any age can get whooping cough, young children who haven't been immunized can get sicker than older kids or adults. 'This disease can cause severe complications, such as pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death, most often in infants under one year of age,' warned the health authority in a public notice Monday. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Whopping couch spreads easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes or has close contact with others, including sharing food, drinks or cigarettes or kissing. It often spreads during the early stages of infection, when symptoms are less severe. If untreated, it can keep spreading for up to three weeks after coughing starts. 'Early symptoms are like those of a cold: sneezing, runny nose, a low fever and a mild cough,' the notice said. 'Over the next week or two, longer spells of coughing often end with a whoop or crowing sound when the person breathes in. The cough can also result in vomiting.' Getting tested and treating the illness with antibiotics can reduce the duration of the cough, which can last for many weeks. Treatment also reduces the likelihood of spreading whooping cough to others. 'It is most important to prevent pertussis in infants and their caregivers.' People in the Pemberton area and nearby First Nations communities, especially those with young children, are asked to watch for symptoms and seek testing and treatment. Residents are also encouraged to make sure vaccines are up to date. Children usually get vaccinations against whooping cough at two months of age, followed by boosters at four, six and 18 months, when they enter kindergarten and in Grade 9. You can check immunizations records for your school-age children through public health, a local community health centre or on Health Gateway . People who are pregnant are urged to get vaccinated because the transfer of antibodies to the baby is protective against whooping cough infection in the first three months of life. And a booster dose of the vaccine, given as the Tdap vaccine, is recommended for all adults. Whooping cough vaccine is being offered for free to the following people: • Children who have not started on their immunizations or may be behind. • People who are pregnant, ideally 27 to 32 weeks into pregnancy — though it can be given as early as 13 weeks and up until delivery. • Parents and others in a household where there are children less than a year old. • Any other adults who are unsure of their vaccination history. If your child is not up to date on vaccinations, you can book them through the public health app . Vaccines are also available at Frontier Pharmacy for those over five years old by calling 604-894-6416, and residents of the Líl̓wat Nation can call Líl̓wat h ealth and healing at 604-894-6656. More information on pertussis-containing vaccines and whether you or your family members are eligible for a publicly funded Tdap vaccine is at . jruttle@
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Health Ministry offers free Tdap vaccination for pregnant women
Dzulkefli said although the MOH does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are, however, strongly encouraged to do so. – AFP photo PUTRAJAYA (May 26): The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation from today, said Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He added that the Tdap vaccination is being offered at all Ministry of Health (MOH) primary health facilities that provide maternal health services nationwide. 'This vaccine is aimed at providing early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough) before completing the vaccination schedule. 'International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby,' he said at the National-Level Immunisation Day celebration held here today. He said although the MOH does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are, however, strongly encouraged to do so. He said that in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the MOH had also launched the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens on Feb 18 by targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness. Dzulkefly said that as of yesterday, a total of 97,355 senior citizens had received the influenza vaccine at MOH facilities. Meanwhile, he said that the national immunisation policy is regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines and, as such, emphasised that all vaccines used in Malaysia have undergone rigorous efficacy and safety assessments by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and are continuously monitored by the MOH. 'There is a growing concern regarding the false dissemination of fake news and information and this undermines public confidence. I understand that some parents are still unsure. 'I urge everyone to always refer to official sources because our decision today will affect the health of future generations,' he said. Dzulkefly Ahmad immunisation lead MOH pregnant Tdap vaccine women
BusinessToday
26-05-2025
- Health
- BusinessToday
Free Tdap Vaccine Now Protects Expectant Mothers
The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has emphasised the importance of lifelong immunisation as part of its National Immunisation Day 2025, while announcing that all Malaysian pregnant women will now receive the Tdap vaccine free of charge. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), expanding previous coverage where only tetanus vaccination was provided. This initiative, effective immediately, is available at all primary health facilities offering maternal and child healthcare services under MOH. Themed 'Immunisation for All, Let's Make It Happen,' the event aligns with World Immunisation Week and highlights vaccination as a cost-effective and essential health intervention protecting all age groups, from unborn babies to the elderly. MOH stressed the critical role of a comprehensive immunisation programme in eradicating diseases like smallpox, reducing vaccine-preventable illnesses, and saving thousands of lives annually. The Ministry also urged parents to ensure their children receive vaccines on schedule and encouraged adults and seniors to stay up to date with immunisations to prevent serious health threats. Related
