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Whooping Cough Epidemic in Casablanca in 2024

F Z Alaoui-Inboui, Y Benchekroune, O Ahmito

    Clinical Laboratory
    |June 15, 2026
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Whooping cough (pertussis) remains a significant threat, especially to unvaccinated infants in Morocco. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is the most effective strategy to protect newborns from this preventable disease.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a cyclical respiratory infection with high infant morbidity and mortality.
    • Morocco has observed epidemic peaks in pertussis despite high vaccination coverage, indicating a need for further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the epidemiological, clinical, biological, and progression profiles of infants hospitalized for whooping cough in Morocco.

    Main Methods:

    • A prospective study involving 30 infants hospitalized for pertussis over one year (January 1 to December 2024).
    • Data collection using a preestablished form to capture relevant patient information.

    Main Results:

    • Most hospitalized infants were unvaccinated (43.33%) or partially vaccinated (50%), with mothers as the primary source of infection (60%).
    • Complications included secondary infections (60%), severe apnea (12 infants), and pneumonia (1 infant). PCR confirmed pertussis in 72.4% of cases.
    • Treatment with azithromycin was effective for most patients (28/30), though two required intensive care, and one death occurred.

    Conclusions:

    • Whooping cough represents a significant public health challenge with an ongoing epidemic resurgence in Morocco.
    • Prevention strategies should include booster vaccinations for adolescents and young adults, alongside infant vaccination.
    • Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is identified as the most effective method to protect vulnerable, unvaccinated newborns.

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