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Childhood pertussis is still here: An Asian city's perspectives

Authors :
Kam Lun E. Hon
Yee Ming Jennifer Li
Alexander K. C. Leung
Alex H. C. Wong
Karen Ka Yan Leung
Daniel K. K. Ng
Source :
Pediatric pulmonologyREFERENCES. 57(4)
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is one of the most common causes of death in childhood. It is also a frequent cause of chronic cough in children, adolescents, and adults.Global and Hong Kong perspectives of childhood pertussis were described.Hong Kong has prided herself in the city's childhood immunization program. There appear to be no major outbreaks of pertussis since the 1960s. Nevertheless, pediatricians may see isolated cases of pertussis or pertussis-like cases from time to time. Occasionally, infants are severely affected with apneas and managed with ventilator supports in the PICU. Outbreaks of the notifiable disease continue to occur despite a reasonable surveillance system and vaccination program in Hong Kong. Vaccination of mothers, adolescents, and adults are efficacious methods to further reduce the risks of pertussis. Macrolides remain efficacious antibiotics especially used early during the infectious phase. Infants with pertussis may require intensive care support and morbidity is high.Physicians should be reminded from time to time that outbreaks of pertussis still exist in Hong Kong and in many cities globally.

Details

ISSN :
10990496
Volume :
57
Issue :
4
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Pediatric pulmonologyREFERENCES
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....08a6cc689e45bb6fba19fe436acd5fca