The Spanish Ministry of Health reported on Thursday, February 1, that there is an outbreak of whooping cough in Guadalajara, northeast of Madrid. Minors are particularly affected. Two cases have also been discovered in schools in Madrid.
The regional government of Castile-La Mancha has confirmed in a press release that Guadalajara has been hit by an outbreak of whooping cough. Although most cases occur in schoolchildren, six adults have also been infected. Two cases have also been discovered in the Madrid region.
The press release states that contact research has been carried out among family, school and after-school care in all cases. The regional Ministry of Health recommends that infected children be treated with medication and vaccinated if this has not already been done. Schools, childcare centres and parents have received information about the whooping outbreak.
Highly contagious
Public Health has indicated that whooping cough is a disease that is highly contagious through the respiratory tract. It poses a serious risk to unvaccinated infants. Moreover, it can also be dangerous for people with a weakened immune system and pregnant women.
At first, whooping cough infection can easily be confused with a cold or other respiratory infection. The first phase of whooping cough is accompanied by a stuffy nose, low fever and occasionally a mild cough. More serious symptoms may appear from the second week onwards. In particular, severe and uncontrollable coughing fits occur.
Also read: Flu incidence in Spain
The regional Ministry of Health emphasises the importance of vaccination as a means of protection against whooping cough. Moreover, cough hormones are of great importance. It also asks confirmed cases and contacts to follow the instructions of health authorities.
Furthermore, the ministry says that experts, both in Spain and internationally, have noted an increase in whooping cough cases following the corona pandemic.
Read more information about whooping cough from the UK´s NHS here.
