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A pediatric health problem increasing with migration: pertussis reloading
Sefika Aldas1, Murat Ersoy1, Berfin Ozgokce Ozmen1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Mersin City Education and Research Hospital Mersin, Mersin, Turkey.
Insights
Whooping cough (pertussis) poses a severe risk to infants, particularly unvaccinated and displaced populations. This study highlights the critical need for robust immunization programs and prompt medical intervention to combat this contagious respiratory illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Bordetella pertussis causes highly contagious respiratory infections, posing significant risks to infants.
- Vulnerable infant populations, including those displaced by events like refugee influxes or natural disasters, are particularly susceptible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in infants following a refugee influx.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of hospitalized infants with pertussis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 28 infants hospitalized with pertussis between December 2023 and April 2024.
- Review of patient demographics, vaccination status, clinical symptoms, diagnostic findings (PCR, chest X-ray, blood work), treatments, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 60.7% of infants were male, 39.3% of Syrian origin; 42.9% were unvaccinated.
- Common symptoms included respiratory distress, paroxysmal cough (96.4%), feeding difficulty (53.6%), and fever (32.1%).
- Severe complications like convulsions (10.7%), apnea (3.6%), pneumonic infiltrates (85.7%), and need for respiratory support (78.6%) were frequent; two infants died.
Conclusions:
- Pertussis remains a critical health concern for unvaccinated and displaced infants.
- Strengthening immunization coverage and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment are vital for mitigating pertussis's impact.
- Public health strategies must address the needs of vulnerable populations during health crises.
Objective:
Bordetella pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection affecting infants, particularly those in vulnerable populations. This study investigates the increase in pertussis cases following refugee influxes and natural disasters.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 28 infants hospitalized in our hospital's pediatric ward due to whooping cough between December 27, 2023, and April 30, 2024. Demographics, vaccination status, clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed.
Results:
Of the 28 infants, 60.7% were male and 39.3% were of Syrian origin; 42.9% were unvaccinated. The mean age was 3.46 ± 3.48 months, and median hospitalization was 11 days. All presented with respiratory distress. Paroxysmal cough (96.4%), feeding difficulty (53.6%), and fever (32.1%) were common. Convulsions occurred in 10.7%, and apnea in 3.6%. B. pertussis was confirmed by PCR in all cases. Chest radiographs showed pneumonic infiltrates in 85.7%. Macrolide antibiotics were given to all. Leukocytosis (15,000-30,000/µL) was observed in 53.6%, extreme leukocytosis in 7.1%, and lymphocytosis in 64.3%. Respiratory support was needed in 78.6%. Four required ICU care; two intubated patients died of multiple organ failure.
Conclusion:
Pertussis remains a serious health threat, especially among unvaccinated and displaced infants. Strengthening immunization programs and ensuring early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce disease burden.
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