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Childhood pertussis is still here: An Asian city's perspectives
Kam Lun E Hon1, Yee Ming Jennifer Li1, Alexander K C Leung2
1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Insights
Pertussis (whooping cough) remains a threat, causing severe illness in infants and chronic cough in all ages. Vaccination and early antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing this contagious respiratory infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.
- It remains a significant cause of childhood mortality and a frequent cause of chronic cough in all age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe global and Hong Kong perspectives on childhood pertussis.
- To highlight the continued occurrence of pertussis outbreaks.
- To emphasize the importance of vaccination and early treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of global and Hong Kong pertussis epidemiology.
- Analysis of surveillance data and vaccination program effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Despite Hong Kong's immunization program, pertussis outbreaks continue.
- Infants are at high risk for severe disease, requiring intensive care.
- Vaccination of mothers, adolescents, and adults is effective in reducing risk.
- Macrolides are effective antibiotics when used early.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must remain aware of ongoing pertussis outbreaks globally and in Hong Kong.
- Continued vigilance and updated vaccination strategies are necessary.
- Prompt antibiotic treatment is vital for managing infectious phases.
Introduction:
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.
Methods:
Global and Hong Kong perspectives of childhood pertussis were described.
Results:
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.
Conclusions:
Physicians should be reminded from time to time that outbreaks of pertussis still exist in Hong Kong and in many cities globally.
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