Pertussis in Latin America: epidemiology and control strategies

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Pertussis (whooping cough) is a significant respiratory illness affecting infants, children, and adults.
• Vaccination efforts began in the 1950s, yet a global resurgence was noted in the 1990s.
• Latin America experiences pertussis as a nationally notifiable disease, requiring reporting to health authorities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate and review recent epidemiological data on pertussis in Latin American countries.
• To analyze trends and identify key demographic groups affected by pertussis in the region.

Main Methods:

• Review of national pertussis surveillance data from various Latin American countries.
• Analysis of case reports, focusing on age groups and vaccination status.
• Comparison of surveillance system variations across the region.

Main Results:

• Despite surveillance differences, a consistent increase in pertussis cases has been observed in Latin America over recent decades.
• The majority of detected cases involve infants under six months old with incomplete vaccination (fewer than three doses).
• Pertussis cases are also increasingly identified in adolescents and adults.

Conclusions:

• Pertussis remains a public health concern in Latin America, with rising case numbers.
• Incomplete infant vaccination is a primary driver of severe pertussis cases.
• The detection of cases in older age groups suggests waning immunity or other contributing factors requiring further investigation.