By Amber Roman
Dec 18, 2024, 18:43 PM EST
In the United States, cases of whooping cough, also known as whooping cough, have spiked significantly, increasing six-fold between 2023 and November 30, 2024.
This highly contagious bacterial disease, which had been largely controlled through vaccination, with more than 28,000 infections reported this year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Despite this increase, considerable lack of knowledge about the disease and available prevention measures persists.
A national survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that 30% of respondents did not know that whooping cough and whooping cough are the same condition or that it is preventable by vaccines. These results, part of the 22nd wave of a representative panel of 1,771 adults surveyed between November 14 and 24, 2024, highlight the lack of information about this public health issue. Since 2021, this panel has monitored public perceptions and behaviors regarding various diseases and vaccinations, including topics such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Lack of knowledge about whooping cough and its prevention could be a key factor in its resurgence. Of those surveyed, only 29% were able to correctly identify the three diseases that the Tdap vaccine prevents (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), without choosing incorrect answers. Furthermore, when analyzing the symptoms of the disease, only 83% recognized coughing attacks as a characteristic sign, while a smaller percentage identified other symptoms such as low fever (44%), vomiting after coughing (33%) and runny nose. (30%). These data underline the need for more effective and targeted information campaigns.
After a pause in infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, whooping cough infections have returned with a vengeance. Annenberg Center Director Kathleen Hall Jamieson, PhD, emphasized the importance of clearer communication from health authorities. In a statement, he urged communicators to use terms familiar to the public: “Instead of talking about the DTaP and Tdap vaccines and using the term ‘whooping cough,’ they should reiterate that our best defense against this disease is the pertussis vaccine. whooping cough.”
Vaccination remains the main strategy to prevent whooping cough. The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine for everyone age seven and older, including pregnant women, who should receive it with every pregnancy to protect their newborn babies. For the little ones, the DTaP vaccine is available, designed specifically for infants and children. Although 80% of respondents believe in the vaccine’s effectiveness, and 85% say they would recommend it to a child or adult in their home who needs a booster dose, the need remains to reinforce confidence in the vaccine. vaccination and dispel myths or doubts about it.
The impact of the whooping cough resurgence is not just a matter of numbers. This disease can be especially dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of serious complications, including pneumonia and apnea. Vaccination of adults plays a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable groups by reducing the likelihood of transmission within the community.
The resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough highlights the importance of maintaining high immunization rates and educating the public about the risks these diseases pose. As the country faces this increase in cases, it is essential that communication strategies adapt to reach the population with clear and accessible messages. Evidence suggests that a better understanding of the disease and its vaccines could make a difference in controlling future outbreaks.
The data presented by the Annenberg Center and the CDC are a reminder that vaccination not only protects individuals, but also prevents the resurgence of diseases we thought were under control. As pertussis once again affects thousands of people, the challenge of improving health education and strengthening confidence in vaccines becomes more urgent than ever.
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