Whooping cough is increasing in Sweden

Published 27 May 2024 at 08.08

Domestic. The number of reported cases of whooping cough is increasing in Sweden after being at low levels since 2020.

Share the article

TwittraShare

In recent years, 2020- 2023, the number of reported cases of whooping cough has been at a low level. But in 2024, statistics show an increase in the number of cases. So far, 241 cases have been reported, of which 28 cases were children under one year old.

Also in several other European countries, a greatly increased incidence of whooping cough is seen. Several deaths among infants have been reported in Europe.

The number of cases of whooping cough is usually at its highest during the summer and autumn. A continued increase in the number of cases is expected in the coming months, according to the Public Health Agency.

– It is likely that the number of cases of whooping cough will continue to increase. Vaccination during pregnancy provides good protection to babies right from birth. The protection is then topped up when the child is vaccinated at three months of age. You should also avoid babies meeting people who have a cough or runny nose outside the family, says state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén in a statement.

If pertussis is suspected in an infant, it is important to get prompt treatment to reduce the risk of serious disease. Even infants who have been exposed to infection may be eligible for treatment, even if the child has no symptoms. Pregnant women and family members with a long-term cough should also be tested and treated if they have whooping cough to reduce the risk of the baby becoming infected after birth.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause a long-lasting and troublesome cough in both adults and children. Those most affected by whooping cough are infants, where the infection can become life-threatening.

In Sweden, vaccination is recommended for all children from the age of three months and for all pregnant women after the 16th week of pregnancy.