BioNet PTgen l Genetically Inactivated Pertussis Toxin

Nationwide health warning over ‘contagious disease’ with terrifying symptoms that ‘may result in death’ as cases spike Cases in Ireland are at the highest level in years Pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterised by severe coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe, and in some cases could lead to death. A child may turn blue from lack of air, or vomit after a coughing spell. Between these coughing spells a child gasps for air causing the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but it can be particularly dangerous for young children and babies. In most cases, a full recovery happens but only if it is identified and treated quickly. HSE stats show there have been 514 cases of pertussis in 2024 in Ireland including 402 confirmed, 59 probable and 53 possible cases. This is compared with very low numbers in recent years due to the pandemic, with just five cases reported in 2021 – seven cases in 2022 and 18 in 2023. The HSE said: "Cycles of increased pertussis typically occur every five years. We last saw high numbers of cases in 2016 and 2017. ... Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/gnUntpu3

Whooping cough outbreak: CDC reports 5x more cases than this time last year The sharp rise in whooping cough cases this year is causing concern among both parents and health professionals. According to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are five times as many cases of whooping cough (pertussis) this year compared to the same time last year, with more than 18,500 confirmed cases nationwide. While this outbreak may feel overwhelming, understanding the symptoms and preventive measures can help protect your family. Why are we seeing a surge in whooping cough? Experts believe a combination of post-pandemic exposures, waning immunity, and decreased vaccination rates may have contributed to the spread of pertussis. Dr. Thomas Russo, professor of infectious disease at the University of Buffalo, told Verywell Health, “We’re seeing the same things with pertussis that we’ve seen with a variety of infections post-pandemic.” Safety measures like social distancing and masking, which helped curb the spread of infectious diseases, are no longer in place, leaving more people exposed. Vaccine hesitancy has also played a key role. According to Dr. Tina Tan, president-elect of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, “With the increase in vaccine hesitancy that has been going on since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re seeing outbreaks occurring in kids who are not vaccinated,” as reported to NBC News. Moreover, the pertussis vaccine’s effectiveness wanes over time. Babies receive the DTaP vaccine, which protects against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus, but the protection against pertussis fades as they age. Dr. Amesh Adalja from Johns Hopkins University explained to Verywell Health that “Adults infected with whooping cough can cough for quite a long time—sometimes this is referred to as the ‘hundred days cough’,” highlighting the need for booster shots, which are recommended every 10 years. Several regions of the U.S. are experiencing especially severe outbreaks, with notable spikes in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Nebraska, where local health departments report dramatic increases in cases among school-aged children. Recognizing the symptoms of whooping cough In its early stages, whooping cough can easily be mistaken for a common cold, but the symptoms quickly become more severe. Here are the signs to look out for: Runny nose Mild fever Severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound Vomiting after coughing Exhaustion after coughing fits Babies may not develop the characteristic “whoop,” but they might experience troubled breathing, vomiting, or even pauses in breathing (apnea). If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. ... Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/gKa7emay

Whooping cough cases surge in US, Europe post-COVID pandemic Cases of pertussis fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, but cases of the "100-day" cough are now increasing. There has been a resurgence of whooping cough in multiple countries in 2024, with the US reporting more than 18,500 cases since the beginning of the year. The number of US cases of the highly contagious infection, also known as pertussis, is nearly five times higher than at this time last year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It also marks the highest caseload at this point of the year since 2014, according to CDC data. It comes amid a resurgence in Europe as well, with French health authorities reporting the worst epidemic in 25 years. Public Health France reported last month that there was an ongoing epidemic in the country since early 2024 "with a very significant circulation of the bacteria which has intensified in recent months". There have been nearly 35,000 confirmed laboratory cases of whooping cough by PCR test and pertussis has killed 22 children in France this year, including 20 babies under the age of one. A surveillance system in France put the number of cases seen by general practitioners at more than 130,000, according to the public health agency. Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/d7RHxk_C

Whooping Cough Cases Among Kids Are Five Times Higher Than Last Year, CDC Says According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been about five times as many cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, this year compared to October 2023. In fact, in a recent surveillance report for the week ending October 12, the CDC reported 18,506 cases. At that same time last year, there were 3,382 cases. These numbers are expected to increase, especially since we are just entering cold and flu season. "There are a few factors at play in the recent pertussis increase," says Brian Labus, PhD, MPH, REHS, an expert in infectious diseases and an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the UNLV School of Public Health. "Infectious diseases often follow regular patterns and pertussis increases happen every seven to 10 years. We have also seen a gradual decline in vaccination rates in children and immunity decreases over time." But Labus says the biggest difference is pertussis numbers dropped dramatically during the pandemic as kids moved to remote learning. "We [also] took steps to decrease respiratory disease in the community like masking and social distancing. We are now returning to pre-pandemic levels." What is Whooping Cough? Although whooping cough is a common respiratory illness, it can be hard to identify because its symptoms are similar to other respiratory bacteria and viruses. Initial symptoms often include a runny nose, a low-grade fever, and a tickly cough. As the disease progresses, a violent full-body cough starts to develop which can be so severe it can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing. You also may notice a whooping sound as the child tries to catch their breath. "Infants, especially those under 3 months of age, are at high risk for complications, including life-threatening complications from pertussis," says Zachary Hoy, MD, a board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee. "The two scariest complications are apnea, which is a prolonged pause in breathing that can cause lack of oxygen, heart disturbances, or pneumonia." Dr. Hoy says pneumonia is more concerning in younger infants. "They do not have as much reserve when they are breathing faster and may require oxygen more than older children." About one in three babies under the age of 1 who get whooping cough will be hospitalized—and the younger they are, the more likely they will need treatment. Those hospitalized may also experience: Apnea: 2 in 3 (68%) Pneumonia: 1 in 5 (22%) Convulsions: 1 in 50 (2%) Encephalopathy: 1 in 150 (0.6%) Death: 1 in 100 (1%) will die from their complications ... Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/edS8rQxP

Whooping cough on the rise: what you need to know. There has been a sharp increase in cases of whooping cough in Austria: more than 12,000 since January! The number of adults with complications and a long-term course of the disease has increased alarmingly in recent years. The booster vaccination is therefore recommended earlier and more often. We have all the information for you. In the entire previous year, 2791 cases of this life-threatening infection for infants were registered in this country. This year, 12,789 cases had already been recorded by October 10 alone. The disease must be reported While 579 cases of pertussis were reported across Austria in 2015, the numbers had already risen to 2233 infections in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic. With the coronavirus measures, there was only a temporary slump to 632, 129 and 164 cases in the three years from 2020 to 2022. Pertussis is notifiable. More and more adults are falling ill What is particularly striking is the significant increase in adult cases, with the 40 to 45 age group being particularly affected. There has also been a significant increase in cases of whooping cough among 15 to 20-year-olds and 65 to 70-year-olds. Similar disease distributions can be observed worldwide, which can be explained by the loss of the protective effect within a few years after vaccination or after contracting the disease. For whom is vaccination important? Maintaining protection through vaccination and regular booster vaccination is the most effective way to prevent disease. In principle, vaccination against whooping cough is particularly important for women who wish to have children before becoming pregnant, pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy, people in the vicinity of a newborn baby, people working in medical facilities, teachers, etc. How often is whooping cough vaccinated? The vaccination is given as part of the six vaccinations in the 3rd, 5th and 11th to 12th month of life and is part of the free vaccination program. At school age, a combination vaccination with diphtheria, tetanus and polio is repeated in the 7th to 9th year of life. After basic immunization in infancy and booster vaccination at school age, a booster vaccination with whooping cough as a combination vaccine with diphtheria, tetanus and polio should be given every ten years up to the age of 60 and every five years from the age of 60. If at least two booster vaccinations against polio have already been given in adulthood, a triple vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis) is sufficient for all further booster vaccinations. Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/grxFAMsa

Minnesota whooping cough numbers highest in eight years. MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota is seeing the highest number of whooping cough cases in eight years. The state health department reports more than a thousand cases of the respiratory infection so far this year. Last year, there were only 61 cases. Of the more than 1,019 cases of whooping cough this year, the latest numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health show the vast majority — about 37% — are in Hennepin County. Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota has fewer than ten reported cases. This week the university sent a message to students with how to protect themselves. "Every few years, I'd say six to eight years, we do see an uptick in the whooping cough rates," said Dr. Liz Placzek, a pediatrician and medical director at Children's Minnesota's West St. Paul clinic. "And this happens to be that year." She said the illness can begin like a cold, but the difference is that whooping cough is a cough that is going to persist, and going to worsen. The only way whooping cough is treated is with antibiotics. If it goes untreated, it can cause pneumonia, infections, and even death. While the whooping cough vaccine is given during childhood, Placzek says adults should be getting a booster every ten years. "We see it really in people who are a little bit removed from their last dose of that vaccine that their immunity probably waned a little bit and so they're more succeptable to getting that infection," said Placzek. While the majority of cases have been in vaccinated individuals, Victor Cruz, a senior rpidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health, says the vaccine can still lower symptom length and severity. "The rates of hospitalization in Minnesota are very very low," Cruz said. "Due to mainly vaccination and also good treatment and identification of cases by health care providers." Placzek said being proactive is key to lowering infection numbers. "Cover your cough, wear your mask, know good hand hygiene," she said. She also said to reach out to your doctor or your child's pediatrician if you have questions about their vaccination status. Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/gngMtVpm

Rise in whooping cough cases at Washington State University PULLMAN, Wash. — Whitman County Public Health announced a rise in whooping cough cases at Washington State University(WSU), confirming a total of 18 cases as of Oct. 8. An investigation is underway into the whooping cough outbreak among the WSU student population, as well as one case reported outside the campus. The county is advising that individuals currently diagnosed with the illness isolate themselves until they complete a five-day course of antibiotics prescribed by their healthcare provider. Isolation means staying away from others, including avoiding work, school, and public places. Public Health officials emphasize the importance of remaining at home to prevent the spread of the infection. Infants under 12 months and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are at the highest risk of severe illness from pertussis, so extra precautions should be taken to protect these vulnerable populations. If individuals need to seek healthcare or leave isolation for any reason before completing the five-day antibiotic regimen, they are advised to wear a mask to prevent further transmission of the disease. County Health officials urge the community to be aware of the circulating whooping cough cases. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It begins with cold-like symptoms and can develop into severe coughing spells, sometimes leading to gagging or vomiting. Children may exhibit a high-pitched "whoop" after coughing, which is how the disease received its common name. However, infants may not cough at all, and some teens and adults may not have the characteristic "whoop." Complications of pertussis can include pneumonia, syncope (fainting), seizures, apnea (pauses in breathing), and even death, with severe complications being most common in infants. If you are a student or employee at WSU contact Cougar Health Services at 509-335-3575 or your healthcare provider if you believe you may have pertussis. Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/gwbr-prA

Calls to immunise now for whooping cough Health New Zealand is putting out an urgent call for pregnant people, babies, children and others at high risk from whooping cough to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as New Zealand stands at high risk of an outbreak. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly contagious illness that can be particularly dangerous for babies, with cases rising across the motu over the past month to high levels. “Whooping cough cases have continued to rise significantly during September to the point where the risk of a national outbreak is now considered high,” said Dr Susan Jack, National Clinical Director, Protection, at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. “Given that outbreaks of whooping cough generally occur in three to five year cycles, with our last major outbreak in 2017-18, and significant outbreaks occurring across the Tasman and around the world, we are on high alert for an outbreak here,” Dr Jack said. ESR reporting shows there have been 187 whooping cough cases reported for the month of September, compared with 75 cases in the month of August. The numbers are among the highest recorded since early 2019, and are compounded by low rates of vaccination, which means we are at risk of widespread transmission. “We have sent out alerts to our clinical networks encouraging practitioners to remain vigilant and look for signs of pertussis, which include severe coughing and in babies episodes of turning blue or stopping breathing. We also continue to work closely with ESR and other experts to monitor case numbers and trends. “That is being supported by a wide range of ongoing prevention activities, with a strong focus on vaccinations for pregnant people, babies and children who are among those most at risk from whooping cough. “We are most concerned for newborn babies who are too young to be vaccinated. This is why it so vitally important for pregnant people to be vaccinated. This is recommended from 16 weeks of pregnancy as the best and safest way to protect their baby from this serious, and sadly, sometimes fatal disease,” Dr Jack said. Infants and young children also need be protected by being kept up to date with their pertussis immunisations, which are due at ages six weeks, three months and five months, and again at fou years. A further booster is given at age 11 years (school year 7) – though it’s never too late for children to catch up on their vaccinations. “Vaccinations are free for all children aged under 18 – including visitors to New Zealand regardless of their citizenship. Adults are eligible for one free booster from age 45 (if they have not had four previous tetanus doses), and, can get one free from age 65. Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/gN9QKWq9

Pennsylvania ranks No. 1 in whooping cough cases so far for 2024 The Keystone State seems to be running away with the No. 1 spot for the year — the second closest case count trails by nearly 300 in New York — but a local doctor hopes to see the number of Pennsylvania cases stunted in the future. “I think the big reason we’re seeing increased cases is a drop in immunization,” Dr. Michael Petrosky, a pediatrician with Allegheny Health Network said in an interview late last week. “I think a lot of it happened during the COVID years. … Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/gVhzDBD8

Child in Northwest Michigan diagnosed with whooping cough Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, has been reported in a child in Northwest Michigan. This coincides with an increase in reports of whooping cough across the state over the last several weeks. Whooping cough is an upper respiratory illness that can spread easily from person to person. The bacteria that causes whooping cough passes though the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A nearby person can breath in those airborne droplets of mucus or saliva and become infected. Young infants under three months of age, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, are among those at greatest risk of developing a severe case of whooping cough. ”Pertussis is preventable and the public can protect themselves and their families through vaccination,” says Dr. Joshua Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “Vaccination can help protect people of all ages. There are vaccinations for children and adults.” Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they’ve been vaccinated, according to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Early symptoms are similar to a cold, such as, a runny nose, sore throat, low-grade fever, a mild cough, and red or watery eyes. After about one week coughing fits become intense and a high-pitched “whooping” sound can occur when inhaling after a coughing fit. “If you think you have been exposed to whooping cough, consult your healthcare provider,” Dr. Meyerson says. “It’s important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin. A healthcare provider can give you an antibiotic to treat symptoms and prevent a severe case from developing.” Steps to prevent infection: • Routine vaccination with DTaP for children under 6 years old • Tdap boosters for those 11 years and older • Tdap for pregnant women during the 27-36 week of each pregnancy • Tdap for adults – any age for those who have never received it • Hand washing for at least 20 seconds • Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing • Masking if you feel sick or are at risk of exposure Source to read more: https://lnkd.in/gCB2X6sJ