The pediatric department of Deventer Hospital in Netherlands is gearing up for a whooping cough outbreak, a disease that poses significant risks to infants and is spreading rapidly, as reported by Nu.nl.
While the Overijssel region reports the highest relative number of cases, the hospital has yet to see any patients with whooping cough. Preparations include staff training to ensure timely recognition and adequate supplies of antibiotics and testing capabilities. Whooping cough, though often just a prolonged cough for most children, can be severe for infants, necessitating hospitalization.
Despite recent cases primarily affecting vaccinated infants mildly, severe cases remain challenging to treat, as seen in past fatalities. With the current surge in cases, primarily among unvaccinated individuals, experts attribute the rise to declining vaccination rates.
Pediatricians like Gorissen are advocating more aggressively for vaccination, recognizing the importance of reducing infections. While some remain hesitant due to religious or philosophical beliefs, Gorissen believes informed discussions can motivate hesitant parents to vaccinate, emphasizing the importance of vaccinating to protect the community as a whole.
