Since mid-2023, the number of whooping cough cases in Belgium has been increasing for all ages, mainly in the group under-10 years (risk analysis 09/2023). Several other European countries are experiencing similar increases (ECDC risk analysis).
Possible explanations for this increase are the natural cyclical occurrence of whooping cough and the increased presence of non-immune individuals in the general population. This is due in part to the reduced boosting of natural immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic and to the phenomenon that immunity begins to decline several years after whooping cough vaccination. It also cannot be ruled out that reduced vaccination coverage, if any, also plays a role, although no figures are yet known about this and the planned vaccination coverage studies will be able to provide a definitive answer.
The whooping cough vaccine is safe and effective. Infants are the most important risk group for serious infection, and for this reason pregnant women are recommended to be vaccinated against whooping cough, as the newborn is already protected in this way. In addition, it is important to strictly follow existing childhood and adult vaccination schedules.
- Whooping cough in Belgium: the reports and publications on the surveillance of whooping cough in Belgium are available below in the ‘Publications’ section.
- Whooping cough in Europe: consult the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) for the most recent statistics on whooping cough in Europe.
- Whooping cough globally: consult the World Health Organisation (WHO) monitoring system for the most recent statistics on whooping cough worldwide.