The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert concerning a troubling increase in pertussis cases across several countries in the Americas, highlighting a concerning trend linked to declining vaccine coverage that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The global average of pertussis cases saw a significant decrease during the pandemic, hitting a historical low in 2021, but has since rebounded sharply. In the Americas, pertussis cases peaked in 2012 before gradually declining until 2022. However, this year saw a resurgence with approximately 4,100 cases reported in the region, and projections indicate nearly 44,000 cases could be recorded by 2024.
A marked spike in cases has been reported in the United States, which leads the region with 10,062 cases as of late April, alongside five fatalities, four of which involved children under the age of one. The states most affected include Washington, Oregon, and California, particularly among children aged 11 to 19 years.
Other nations facing increases in pertussis cases this year are Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Paraguay. PAHO has called on these countries to bolster their surveillance systems for pertussis, emphasizing the importance of monitoring vaccination rates to identify and address gaps, especially among younger children who are the most vulnerable.
This surge presents an opportunity for healthcare systems to refocus their efforts on immunization initiatives. By strengthening vaccination programs and improving awareness among communities, there is hope for reversing this alarming trend and protecting at-risk populations.