Whooping cough cases increasing fast

In Overijssel, two Municipal Healtcare Service's (GGD) in the region of Twente have reported a rise in cases of whooping cough. Nurses are warning those vaccinated that their cough might not be a nasty cold after all, RTV Oost reports. 

The GGD Twente speaks of a steep rise in the number of reports. In 2013, there were a total 0f 175 cases. Halfway through 2013, the numbers are already at 275.

The GGD in IJsselland is also seeing explosive numbers. Over the whole of last year, there were just more than 100. In 2014, there have been 125 cases of whooping cough already.

Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria, and is very contagious. People showing symptoms of whooping cough can transfer the sickness to others for up to four weeks.

In adults, the sickness resembles a nasty cold. Young children who have not yet been vaccinated are much more vulnerable to the sickness, however. Their sinuses can be blocked to the point of respiratory arrest.

This outbreak of whooping cough has no clear cause. "There just has to be a primary school with one sick parent or child, and it breaks out in the entire village", infectious disease control nurse Judith Keizers of GGD Twente tells RTV Oost.

Keizers wants to call attention to the fact that people who have been vaccinated are not necessarily immune to the sickness, and that it is not simply a harmless cough. "For adults, whooping cough is only very irritating, young children and infants can be seriously affected by this bacteria. By asking for attention, we hope to protect these children."