Latest news with #whoopingcough
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top honeymoon destination is hit by highly contagious disease as 108 cases are reported
A top honeymoon destination is seeing a major outbreak of a highly contagious disease. Hawaii health officials announced last week that pertussis - perhaps better known as whooping cough - is on the rise in the popular tourist hotspot at a 'worrying rate,' according to Spectrum Local News. As of May 15, the state had already recorded 108 cases this year - surpassing last year's total cases of 84, the State of Hawaii Department of Health reported. It called whooping cough a 'highly contagious respiratory disease' that spreads from bacteria through the air. At first, the symptoms can resemble a cold - but they can quickly progress to 'intense coughing fits.' In children, those fits could be followed by a 'deep breath' that makes a 'whooping sound' due to clogged airways that are not fully formed, Fox News reports. Complications from the disease 'can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated,' health officials warned. Those complications can include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, encephalopathy (a disease of the brain) - and even possibly death. 'Pertussis is insidious and can be easily mistaken for other respiratory diseases - including viruses,' Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel warned. He explained that whooping cough - which is a bacterial infection - can be treated with routine antibiotics but it is 'easily missed.' 'The best protection is vaccination, including repeated boosters in teens and adults,' Siegel suggested. The DTaP (diptheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine is administered to children under the age of seven, while the Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis) vaccine is available for older children and adults. Neha Pathak, WebMD chief physician editor, told Fox News that about 98 out of 100 children who get the DTaP vaccine are protected from the diseases for at least one year after a fifth dose and about 70 percent are still protected up to five years later. She also said she suggests pregnant woman get the Tdap jab during their third trimester to pass antibodies onto their newborns who are too young to get the DTaP vaccine. Dr. Siegel further claimed that DTaP is 'highly effective' in children with nearly 100 percent protection with appropriate dosages. Still, multiple doses are also generally recommended for infants, children and adults. But in Hawaii, health officials say vaccination rates 'for all routinely-recommended vaccinations for school entry - including those for measles, pertussis, polio and varicella (chicken pox)' have declined since 2019. Its vaccination levels are now even below the national average, according to Hawaii News Now. 'The uptick in pertussis cases is concerning, but not surprising given what we are seeing with vaccine hesitancy,' Pathak said. In fact, the rise in pertussis cases in Hawaii comes as experts warn America is poised for a measles explosion if vaccine rates continue to fall at their current pace. The research from Stanford University estimates that just a five percent decline in coverage with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) would lead to an estimated 5.7 million measles cases and at least 2,500 deaths over the next 25 years. That's the equivalent of 228,000 cases and 320 deaths each year. And in a devastating scenario, a 50 percent decline in vaccinations could flood the country with the life-threatening disease, potentially leading to 51 million cases, including 10.3 million hospitalizations and between 151,200 and 164,700 deaths. For context, the US has confirmed 5,567 measles cases over the past 25 years, averaging 223 per year. In 2019 alone, there were nearly 1,300 cases; in 2020, just 13. If rates stay where they are, the US could lose its measles elimination status within two decades. The US is facing its largest measles outbreak in 30 years, centered in Gaines and Lubbock counties, West Texas, where just 74 percent and 92 percent of children are vaccinated, respectively. Texas has confirmed 728 measles cases so far, with over 400 in Gaines County alone. Two children in Texas and one in New Mexico have died. New Mexico has reported 71 cases. Hawaii also confirmed two cases in April, but health officials since concluded there was no further spread. Still, health officials in the Aloha State warn they are not out of the woods on that yet, either. 'Measles cases in the United States continue to rise, with more than 1,000 cases already reported across 30 states this year,' they said in the news release last week. 'The risk remains high for future travel-related measles cases reaching Hawaii and DOH recommends continued vigilance efforts to increase the MMR vaccination rate.' It then stressed its 'strong' recommendation for children and adults to stay up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Fox News
27-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
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. 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." 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. 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." 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. 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." "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. "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 prevention.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
‘Increasing' cases of whooping cough in Pemberton area, health officials say
This 2016 illustration based on electron microscope imagery and provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention depicts Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes whooping cough. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Meredith Newlove, CDC via AP) Health officials are warning of an 'increasing number' of cases of pertussis – commonly known as whooping cough – in the Pemberton, B.C., area. Vancouver Coastal Health said families, particularly those with young children, should watch for symptoms and seek treatment if they suspect a pertussis infection. Officials also urged parents to keep their children's vaccinations up to date. 'People of any age can get pertussis, but young children who have not been immunized get sicker than older children and adults,' said VCH, in an information bulletin. 'This disease can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death, most often in infants under one year of age.' Generally, children first receive pertussis-containing vaccinations at around two months old, followed by additional vaccines that end in Grade 9. A single booster is recommended for adults as well. Vaccinations during pregnancy are also recommended as 'the transfer of antibodies to the baby is highly protective against pertussis infection in the first three months of life,' according to VCH's bulletin. Officials said whooping cough spreads 'easily' through coughing, sneezing and close contact – and if untreated, those who are infected can spread the disease for up to three weeks after the onset of coughing. More information on pertussis and the vaccines is available on the HealthLinkBC website.
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Queensland hit by surge in whooping cough cases as experts blame low vaccination levels
Thousands of whooping cough cases have emerged in one Australian state, as experts lay the blame on low immunisation and poor personal hygiene. Queensland has recorded 2,384 cases of whooping cough since the beginning of the year, nearly three-and-a-half times the 2023-24 average, according to Queensland Health. Concern is rising that this year could be part of a larger upwards trend, as in 2024 Queensland also recorded 15,012 infections, a sum larger than the previous 11 years combined. Mater Hospital Brisbane director of infectious diseases Professor Paul Griffin said the numbers show a disturbing trend. 'It's very clear that the numbers are high, and so seeing nearly 2,400 cases already this year, it is a very significant number and that's tracking along at … about six and a half times what we'd normally see this time of year.' Professor Griffin told NewsWire. 'The case numbers are very high and unfortunately with a disease like whooping cough, when there's high numbers of cases, that means we will see some of those progress to more significant disease.' Whooping cough can be a very significant disease and can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death according to the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 'People do need to pay attention to these numbers and make sure they understand that whooping cough isn't (usually) around in high numbers,' Professor Griffin said. 'It is a very significant disease. Not everyone is going to get really sick, but unfortunately enough people will.' Whooping cough can be detrimental to vulnerable communities, such as young children and pregnant women. 'If people haven't seen, a baby who's got more severe disease, the fact that they cough or they vomit and they cough so much they can't eat or drink, it's just terrifying to see,' Professor Griffin said. 'This is what does happen from whooping cough and why we need mums to get vaccinated in pregnancy and children particularly to get vaccinated as scheduled.' Since Covid-19, Aussie vaccination rates have steadily declined, as well as personal habits which prevent disease such as frequently washing hands, using masks, and staying out of crowded areas. 'Unquestionably … the reduction in vaccination rates will be a factor, as will the fact that I think … people are probably doing the least to address the transmission of respiratory infections that we've done for five years or more,' Professor Griffin reflected. 'For a while we were very good that if someone had respiratory symptoms, we would get them to stay home. We wouldn't take them to school or go to work. We'd get them tested and do all the right things to address transmission. 'But I think we're probably doing a lot less of that at the moment.' Concerningly, vaccination rates among infants have also dropped – 90.8 per cent of one-year-olds received their whooping cough jab in 2023, nearly 4 per cent less than at the end of 2018, Queensland Health data shows. The whooping cough vaccine is free during pregnancy, children aged 18 months, two, four, and six, and young adults between 12 and 19. For those who have a vague memory of getting the jab, a booster vaccination is recommended every ten years. 'The whooping cough itself is very significant. But if we add to that the record-breaking start to the flu season and high numbers of RSV and still some Covid around, that's a lot of respiratory infections for us to have to deal with, even ahead of the expected peak in winter,' Professor Griffin said. 'So if we don't do some more to slow that down, we could be in for a very significant winter period with a burden of disease on our healthcare system that's going to be difficult to manage.'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State hit by record outbreak of deadly virus
Thousands of whooping cough cases have emerged in one Australian state, as experts lay the blame on low immunisation and poor personal hygiene. Queensland has recorded 2,384 cases of whooping cough since the beginning of the year, nearly three-and-a-half times the 2023-24 average, according to Queensland Health. Concern is rising that this year could be part of a larger upwards trend, as in 2024 Queensland also recorded 15,012 infections, a sum larger than the previous 11 years combined. Mater Hospital Brisbane director of infectious diseases Professor Paul Griffin said the numbers show a disturbing trend. 'It's very clear that the numbers are high, and so seeing nearly 2,400 cases already this year, it is a very significant number and that's tracking along at … about six and a half times what we'd normally see this time of year.' Professor Griffin told NewsWire. 'The case numbers are very high and unfortunately with a disease like whooping cough, when there's high numbers of cases, that means we will see some of those progress to more significant disease.' Whooping cough can be a very significant disease and can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death according to the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 'People do need to pay attention to these numbers and make sure they understand that whooping cough isn't (usually) around in high numbers,' Professor Griffin said. 'It is a very significant disease. Not everyone is going to get really sick, but unfortunately enough people will.' Whooping cough can be detrimental to vulnerable communities, such as young children and pregnant women. 'If people haven't seen, a baby who's got more severe disease, the fact that they cough or they vomit and they cough so much they can't eat or drink, it's just terrifying to see,' Professor Griffin said. 'This is what does happen from whooping cough and why we need mums to get vaccinated in pregnancy and children particularly to get vaccinated as scheduled.' Since Covid-19, Aussie vaccination rates have steadily declined, as well as personal habits which prevent disease such as frequently washing hands, using masks, and staying out of crowded areas. 'Unquestionably … the reduction in vaccination rates will be a factor, as will the fact that I think … people are probably doing the least to address the transmission of respiratory infections that we've done for five years or more,' Professor Griffin reflected. 'For a while we were very good that if someone had respiratory symptoms, we would get them to stay home. We wouldn't take them to school or go to work. We'd get them tested and do all the right things to address transmission. 'But I think we're probably doing a lot less of that at the moment.' Concerningly, vaccination rates among infants have also dropped – 90.8 per cent of one-year-olds received their whooping cough jab in 2023, nearly 4 per cent less than at the end of 2018, Queensland Health data shows. The whooping cough vaccine is free during pregnancy, children aged 18 months, two, four, and six, and young adults between 12 and 19. For those who have a vague memory of getting the jab, a booster vaccination is recommended every ten years. 'The whooping cough itself is very significant. But if we add to that the record-breaking start to the flu season and high numbers of RSV and still some Covid around, that's a lot of respiratory infections for us to have to deal with, even ahead of the expected peak in winter,' Professor Griffin said. 'So if we don't do some more to slow that down, we could be in for a very significant winter period with a burden of disease on our healthcare system that's going to be difficult to manage.'
