The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Sunday raises alarms about an imminent surge in whooping cough cases, anticipating increased pressure on health systems.
According to private channel report, in a recent advisory, the NIH expressed concerns over a potential surge in whooping cough cases, anticipating heightened strain on health in the coming months.
Early symptoms include mild cough, fever, and a runny nose, escalating to severe coughing, particularly affecting infants. The advisory underscored potential complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, loss of appetite, ear infections and psychological issues.
Read NIH issues advisory on new Covid variant
Timely vaccination was highlighted as a crucial preventive measure, with mandatory pertussis vaccination for high-risk individuals. The whooping cough vaccine was integrated into the immunisation programme, administered to newborns at six, 10, and 14 weeks after birth.
To curb the spread, citizens were urged to adopt safety measures, maintain distance from suspected cases, and practice hand hygiene. Covering the mouth during coughing and sneezing was emphasised, along with the isolation of suspected cases, especially from children and pregnant women.
