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Pertussis surveillance data from the South Moravian Region, 2024
Insights
Pertussis cases surged in 2024 despite high vaccination rates, particularly in adolescents. Waning immunity and subclinical cases drive ongoing transmission, highlighting the need for booster doses and infant protection.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough), caused by Bordetella pertussis, remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Despite high vaccine coverage, pertussis incidence has increased in the Czech Republic, including a notable rise in 2024.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in the South Moravian Region during 2024.
- To analyze vaccination status and identify key factors contributing to pertussis transmission.
Main Methods:
- Data collection from the Infectious Disease Information System for the South Moravian Region in 2024.
- Analysis of pertussis cases, incidence rates, age distribution, and vaccination status.
Main Results:
- 3,524 pertussis cases were reported in the South Moravian Region (287.3/100,000 population).
- The 15-19 age group had the highest case proportion (20.1%).
- Despite 89.2% vaccination coverage, transmission persisted, with infants under 1 year experiencing the most severe outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The 2024 pertussis increase is multifactorial, involving waning vaccine immunity, Bordetella pertussis adaptation, improved diagnostics, and post-COVID-19 pandemic dynamics.
- Effective pertussis control requires promoting booster vaccinations, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and public awareness campaigns focused on protecting vulnerable infants.
Introduction:
Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which still occurs in both the paediatric and adult population despite a continuous high vaccine coverage. In 2024, a significant increase in pertussis was found in the Czech Republic.
Material And Methods:
The aim was to describe the incidence of pertussis in the South Moravian Region (SMR) in 2024 based on data from the Infectious Disease Information System and to analyse basic epidemiological indicators including vaccination status.
Results:
In the South Moravian Region, 3,524 cases of pertussis (287.3/100,000) were reported in 2024, with the highest number of cases (20.1%) in the 15-19 age group. Although 89.2% of patients were vaccinated, active transmission of Bordetella pertussis persisted in the population, mainly due to immunity waning and frequent subclinical forms of the disease in adolescents and adults. The most severe course of the disease was observed in infants under 1 year of age, with a high proportion of hospital admissions.
Conclusion:
The dramatic increase in pertussis in 2024 was related to a combination of factors: a weakening protective effect of vaccines, genetic adaptation of the causative agent, improved laboratory diagnosis, increased awareness of both the professional and general public, and reduced circulation of pertussis in the population as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic control measures. For effective control of pertussis, it is essential to promote regular booster doses of pertussis vaccine, to improve diagnosis, and to raise awareness of the population on the importance of protecting the most vulnerable groups, especially infants.
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