Pertussis Cases Spike 10-Fold in Europe

According to a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), more than 25,000 cases of pertussis and 19 related deaths were reported in 2023, and more than 32,000 between January and March 2024.

The ECDC data announced on May 8, 2024, indicates a nearly 10-fold increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases compared with 2022.

Historically, infants have had the highest incidence of pertussis reported in European countries. However, in 2023–24, an increase among infants has been observed, along with large increases in 10–14 and 15– 19-year-olds.

According to information from open sources, an increase in pertussis cases has also been reported in many countries in 2024, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The primary objective of national pertussis immunization programs should be to curb morbidity and mortality in newborn infants. 

To this end, and given the ongoing pertussis outbreaks, the ECDC encourages all public health authorities to focus on achieving and sustaining high vaccination coverage through timely and full completion of pertussis primary immunization series and subsequent boosters recommended nationally.

The World Health Organization and numerous agencies have approved various pertussis vaccines.