3 cases of whooping cough found
A child or person who has completed the vaccination may not develop severe symptoms.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
Three children have tested positive for whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in G.A. Villingili this month, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said on Tuesday.
The HPA said the disease has been controlled in Maldives since regular vaccination was started, but cases of the disease are still being reported in Maldives, albeit rare.
HPA said measures are being taken in connection with the cases found in Villingili. The work done so far is:
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IGMH and G.A. Atoll Hospital is now conducting contact tracing of positive cases in collaboration
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Antibiotic prophylaxis administered to contacts of infected children; to infants under one year of age and 6-month pregnant women
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Testing and administering medicines to symptomatic contacts
G.A. Atoll Hospital has formed a special task force in this regard and has started working with the island's institutions to control the disease.
What is whooping cough?
The whooping cough starts like a common cold with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and sometimes a mild cough or fever. In many people, it's marked by a severe hacking cough that lasts a long time.
It is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis, and spreads easily from person to person through breathing the same air. The bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system and release toxins that damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.
Infants may have additional symptoms. However, a child or person who has completed the vaccination may not develop severe symptoms.
The HPA added:
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Infants are at greatest risk
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Children under the age of 7 who have not completed their vaccination doses are urged to complete their vaccination as soon as possible
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The vaccine will be available at health centers in the atolls
HPA urges children and pregnant women to seek the advice of a health care provider immediately if they have a persistent cough or if they have additional complications from the cough, or if they have another chronic medical condition along with catching the flu.
