Whooping cough leaves a black winter with 11,000 cases in Catalonia

IN Catalonia A total of 11,614 cases have been reported. choking cough only in the first four months of 2024as detailed in the Generalitat Epidemiological Situation Report on pertussis (period 2014–2024).

Of the total number of cases 7,758 – that is, 66.8 percent – were confirmed microbiologically by PCR or epidemiological linkage, 16 required regular hospitalization, and three required admission to the intensive care unit. 73 percent of hospitalizations occurred in children under one year of age, and no deaths due to this disease were recorded.

The document defines choking cough How Respiratory infection an acute contagious bacterial infection that is characterized by symptoms similar to those of the common cold and is considered an endemic disease throughout the world, with epidemic outbreaks every 3-5 years.

The presented figures mean an increase in incidence from 0.83 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 to 7.2 in 2023. 147 cases for the same number of inhabitants at the moment 2024.

The main victims of whooping cough

An increase in incidence is occurring in the city region. from 5 to 14 years old, with special emphasis from 10 to 14 years with 4180 cases. In addition, it was diagnosed In 2024, 221 cases in children under one year old, which represents a 2 percent increase from 2023, when 4.8 percent of the year’s total cases were reported in the same age group.

The document also clarifies that during 2024 the largest number of cases was recorded in the regions Valles, with 360 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; V Barcelona South, with 188 cases for the same number of residents; And Barcelona Nord-Maresme, with 183 cases also per 100,000 inhabitants. In this sense, it is explained that the incidence increased compared to the previous year from 3.7 to 136 times, depending on the territory.

Whooping cough outbreaks

For months from January to April 2024The number of notifications increased, with a total of 659 outbreaks and 1,969 cases reported, meaning there were more outbreaks and people affected than in any previous year.

The largest number of outbreaks were found in families, followed by schools. Additionally, this year, although the number of outbreaks in family settings is higher, the number of cases is slightly higher in school settings with 985 cases.