Data from the Institute of Public Health of FBiH: Three deaths reported from whooping cough, parents urged to vaccinate children

(Patria) - Since December 2023, an epidemic of pertussis (whooping cough) has been registered in the Federation of BiH.

A total of 594 cases of pertussis have been reported in the Federation of BiH from week 1 to week 28 of 2024. The highest number of cases was registered in the 6th week, with 45 people falling ill with pertussis.

A decrease in the number of cases has been registered since the 21st week in all cantons in the Federation. The highest incidence is recorded in Zenica-Doboj Canton, West Herzegovina Canton, and Sarajevo Canton.

The largest number of cases was among children aged 1-4 years, with a total of 241 cases.

Of the 594 reported cases of pertussis, 482 (81.1%) were unvaccinated, 56 (9.4%) were incompletely vaccinated with a vaccine containing the pertussis component, and the vaccination status was unknown in 34 (5.7%) cases.

During this period, 127 hospitalizations due to pertussis were reported in the Federation of BiH (hospitalization status was not reported for all cases). Three deaths were reported.

"There is enough vaccine for children. We are once again appealing to parents that immunization is the best measure for preventing illness, as well as the development of complications and death from infectious diseases. The immunization program in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is safe, high-quality, highly effective, and free. Parental cooperation in understanding and accepting immunization is a priority in achieving and maintaining high immunization coverage and preventing illness and the spread of infection," stated the Institute of Public Health of FBiH.

Information on the daily epidemiological situation is available to the public on the official website of the Institute of Public Health of FBiH, which can be accessed via the link:

https://www.zzjzfbih.ba/pertusis2024/