TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Reports of whooping cough outbreaks have surfaced in various countries across the globe, including China, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
EXPLANATION:
- China, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in cases, with a more than 20-fold rise reported in January and February compared to the previous year.
Pertussis:
- Whooping cough, scientifically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
- It primarily affects the respiratory system and is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a “whooping” sound when trying to inhale.
- Whooping cough poses a significant threat, especially to young children and infants, with potential fatal outcomes.
- Chinese authorities have confirmed 32,380 cases and 13 deaths, emphasizing its impact on infant and child mortality globally.
- However, it’s crucial to note that whooping cough can affect individuals of all ages, particularly when immunity wanes over time.
Factors Contributing to Outbreaks:
- Weakening of Vaccine Long-Term Effects:
- Researchers point to the weakening of the DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine’s long-term efficacy as a major contributing factor to the resurgence of whooping cough.
- This phenomenon is particularly evident in China, where the vaccine’s effectiveness appears to diminish over time, leaving individuals susceptible to infection.
- Impact of Outdoor Air Pollution:
- Another significant factor implicated in the resurgence of whooping cough is the influence of outdoor air pollution, particularly in countries like China.
- Researchers suggest that exposure to pollutants may exacerbate respiratory illnesses and compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial infections like pertussis.
- Bacterial Mutation:
- Recent observations indicate that the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, responsible for causing whooping cough, has undergone mutations, particularly notable in Australia.
- These mutations could potentially render existing vaccines less effective against certain strains of the bacteria, contributing to increased infection rates.
Cyclical Nature of Outbreaks:
- While whooping cough outbreaks typically exhibit cyclical patterns, occurring every three to five years, the current trend suggests a sustained increase in incidences over the past two decades.
- This indicates a more complex interplay of factors beyond natural cyclical fluctuations.
Regional Outbreaks:
- Several countries have reported significant spikes in whooping cough cases, reflecting a global resurgence of the disease.
- Spain experienced a substantial outbreak with over 8,200 cases by March 2024, while the Czech Republic recorded its highest number of cases in over 70 years, surpassing 6,300 cases this year.
Vaccination Efforts:
- Vaccination remains the primary strategy for preventing whooping cough. The DTP vaccine, recommended for children, and Tdap vaccines for adults play a crucial role in reducing the incidence and severity of the disease.
- However, the global challenge of vaccine hesitancy and missed doses poses significant obstacles to achieving optimal immunization coverage.
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine:
- The DTaP vaccine is administered to children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age to provide immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
- This activity outlines the DTaP vaccine’s indications, actions, and potential adverse effects as a valuable agent against these diseases.
- This activity will highlight the mechanism of action, administration, adverse effects, contraindications, and monitoring pertinent for healthcare team members in managing vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Its objectives are:
- Review the pathophysiologies of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
- Identify the components of the DTaP vaccine, dosing, and site of injection.
- Summarize the recommendations of when to administer the DTaP vaccine.
- Outline the interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and improve outcomes.
SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/video/health/whooping-cough-outbreak-reported-around-the-world-95628
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