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Whooping cough in Sudanese children
B A Abdalla1, M A Salih, E A Yousif
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum.
East African Medical Journal
|November 6, 1998
Summary
Whooping cough (pertussis) disproportionately affected unvaccinated Sudanese infants and children in crowded households. Low immunization rates contributed to high attack rates and significant weight loss in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Whooping cough (pertussis) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with low vaccination coverage.
- Understanding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pertussis outbreaks is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological and clinical features of whooping cough (pertussis) in Sudanese children.
- To identify risk factors associated with pertussis transmission and severity in a defined population.
Main Methods:
- A surveillance study was conducted among 81 Sudanese children (42 cases, 39 contacts) in 37 households over six months.
- Cases were identified using the World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunisation clinical criteria.
- Epidemiological data, clinical presentations, vaccination status, and household conditions were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study identified 42 pertussis cases, predominantly females, with 47.6% under five years old and 19% infants.
- Unvaccinated infants had a 100% attack rate, significantly higher than unvaccinated older children (14.3%).
- Crowded living conditions (room index > 5) and low primary immunization rates (2.8%) were prevalent. Abnormal chest X-rays (68.4%) and significant weight loss were observed in patients.
Conclusions:
- Low immunization rates and crowded living conditions are significant risk factors for pertussis outbreaks in Sudanese children.
- Pertussis poses a severe threat to unvaccinated infants, leading to significant morbidity, including weight loss.
- Enhanced vaccination programs and improved living conditions are essential to control pertussis in vulnerable populations.
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