APM: Emergency News from the French Society of Emergency Medicine
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Whooping Cough Surge in France: A 2024 Public Health Concern
Table of Contents
What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. It’s characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a “whooping” sound when the person breathes in. While preventable through vaccination, outbreaks still occur, particularly when vaccination rates decline or immunity wanes.
The infection is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The 2024 Outbreak in France: What Happened?
France is currently experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases in 2024. According to Public Health France, this year is marked by a very significant increase in cases, exceeding levels seen in recent years. The outbreak is impacting all age groups, but infants are particularly vulnerable.
Data from the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU) –