Pertussis Resurgence In India — Know All About This Infectious Disease

Pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that can lead to breathing difficulty and coughing spells. It affects small children, especially infants. India alone accounts for nearly 26.5 percent of cases of whooping cough. While vaccination helped to control the disease to some extent, the cases are again on the rise in India.  

Read more to know about its symptoms and how to protect your child. 

How Does Pertussis Spread?

Pertussis is highly contagious and can easily spread from an infected person to others, especially children and infants. The primary source of transmission is infected air that contains suspended droplets released during coughing and sneezing. It can also spread via close contact. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Pertussis?

The symptoms of pertussis start showing up almost a week after the infection and can often be misleading. It usually starts with mild fever, runny nose, and cough, somewhat similar to the common cold. However, if the cough persists for more than a week, don't wait and consult a doctor. Otherwise, it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, seizures, and death which is most common in 6-month-olds or under. 

Also Read:

Whooping Cough Home Remedies to Cure Your Toddler

The Resurgence Of Pertussis 

Before vaccines became widely available, pertussis was one of the leading causes of illness and death among children. Thanks to immunization, cases dropped dramatically. But in recent years, this once-controlled disease has been making a troubling comeback. 

One key reason is something called “cocooning.” It happens when adults and teenagers—who may no longer have strong protection from their childhood vaccines or might not show any symptoms—unknowingly carry and spread the infection. The people most at risk? Newborns and babies who haven’t yet completed their full vaccination schedule. These little ones often catch pertussis from the very people who are trying to protect them—parents, siblings, caregivers—without anyone even realizing it. 

Vaccination: The Best Defense Against Whooping Cough 

Getting vaccinated is still the most powerful way to protect children—especially babies and toddlers—from whooping cough. In India, both types of vaccines are available: the traditional whole-cell pertussis vaccine and the newer acellular pertussis version. However, not all regions have the same access. Some areas face challenges like limited vaccine supply, difficulty reaching healthcare services, and local administrative hurdles, which lead to uneven coverage. 

The most reliable shield is the DTP shot (which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus). Doctors strongly recommend that every child gets vaccinated on time to stay safe from this dangerous disease.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0255085725000593#:~:text=Despite%20high%20DTwP%20vaccine%20coverage,influencing%20genetic%20shifts%20in%20B.