Urgent Call for Maternal Vaccination to Combat Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, poses a significant threat to young infants, according to a study highlighting the critical importance of maternal vaccination during pregnancy. This highly contagious bacterial infection can lead to severe coughing fits and is particularly dangerous for infants, who may not exhibit the classic symptoms associated with the illness.

The study’s lead author, Caitlin Li, an infectious diseases specialist at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, emphasizes that pertussis symptoms in infants can differ markedly from those seen in older children and adults. “The characteristic whooping cough may be absent, but apnoea, or breathing interruption, is common,” she noted. Li is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Infants infected with pertussis can show a very high white blood cell count, known as leukocytosis. This symptom may lead pediatricians to misdiagnose the condition as cancer or other non-infectious diseases. The researchers stress that extremely high white blood cell counts in infants should prompt healthcare providers to consider pertussis as a potential diagnosis. This insight has been published in a special article in the journal Pediatrics.

In light of the risks posed to infants, the researchers strongly recommend that mothers receive the pertussis vaccine during pregnancy. “Given that infants are at high risk for complications, pertussis vaccination of mothers during pregnancy is critical, as it protects newborns against this potentially fatal illness,” Li stated. She also highlighted that widespread vaccination is essential for protecting the broader community.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of vaccinations for children at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and again at 4-6 years of age. A booster dose is advised at ages 11-12, with additional catch-up vaccinations available until the age of 18. Importantly, the CDC advocates for universal vaccination during pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, as the primary means of preventing pertussis-related fatalities.

In cases of confirmed or suspected pertussis, the rapid initiation of antibiotics is advised. Early treatment may alleviate symptoms, while later treatment, although less effective in improving symptoms, can reduce transmission rates significantly, according to the research team.

As the incidence of whooping cough continues to pose a public health challenge, experts urge healthcare providers and expectant mothers to prioritize vaccination. This preventative measure not only safeguards infants but also contributes to the overall health of the community.