The Western Cape is seeing a sharp increase in whooping cough cases, according to the provincial health department.
Of the 408 recorded cases seen nationwide so far this year, 230 of them have been in the Western Cape and most of those have been recorded since September, according to provincial health department spokeswoman Monique Johnstone, who adds that these are laboratory-confirmed cases and likely represent only a small fraction of the true cases in the community.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be vaccinated against, but infants are at the highest risk for developing severe illness and those under six weeks are too young to be immunised.
The province had recorded the deaths of seven infants, all under 2 months, so far this year, said Ms Johnstone.
Highly infectious, especially during the early stages of the disease, whooping cough is spread by respiratory droplets through coughing and sneezing, and it affects the respiratory tract. Those who are not immune through vaccination or previous infection can get it at any age. Infants and young children who are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated are at higher risk as are those with weakened immune systems and chronic lung disease.
Symptoms vary but usually appear seven to 10 days after exposure, but onset can range from five to 21 days.
Initial symptoms are like the common cold and may include nasal congestion, runny nose, mild sore throat, mild dry cough and minimal or no fever. Days later, the cough can become more severe and is characterised by episodes of paroxysms followed by a whooping sound and/or vomiting after coughing.
The paroxysmal cough may last one to two months. In infants, the cough may be insignificant or not present at all; however, infants may present with cessation of breathing and bluish discolouration of the skin. Adolescents and adults who are previously vaccinated may also present differently with minimal symptoms such as a sore throat or persistent cough.
Whooping cough can be diagnosed by a medical practitioner through laboratory testing by collecting a specimen from the back of the patient’s throat (through the nose) or by coughing into a bottle to collect sputum.
Antibiotics have been shown to be effective in reducing the infectious period.
Vaccination for whooping cough is done at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age and then a fourth booster dose is given at 18 months. Family members and close contacts of pregnant women or small infants are advised to have these routine immunisations up to date.
Close contacts of confirmed cases should receive antibiotic prophylaxis, regardless of age or vaccination status, with erythromycin for seven days, or azithromycin for five days.
Ms Johnstone urged caregivers to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of whooping cough and take children displaying symptoms to the nearest health facility immediately.
“Over the next few weeks, we will be coming into contact with many more people than usual. During this time, there is also the risk of many bugs/diseases circulating. It is crucial that we continue protecting our personal space through good hand hygiene practices. And should you not feel well, cough or sneeze, you can protect others by avoiding social gatherings when you are sick or voluntarily wearing a mask when you socialize with others,” she said.