In Karaganda, a 10-month-old baby has been admitted to the intensive care unit with whooping cough, a disease not seen in the region for over a decade. Since the beginning of the year, 48 people in the area have fallen ill. The dangerous infection was initially misdiagnosed as pneumonia by the parents, who are known to be against vaccination. Only after a PCR test was the diagnosis of whooping cough confirmed.
Medical experts are concerned about a potential outbreak of the disease and urge parents whose children have not been vaccinated to seek immediate help if their child experiences severe coughing. Whooping cough can lead to serious complications, and one infected individual can spread the disease to up to 15 people.
The development of spasmodic coughing, a hallmark of whooping cough, can be terrifying for parents. The coughing fits can cause breathing cessation and cyanosis in children, leading to understandable panic among parents. The cough can last up to 100 days and may result in complications such as deafness, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems.
The recent resurgence of whooping cough is believed to be linked to decreased immunity, missed vaccinations due to pandemic restrictions, and the rise of anti-vaccine sentiments in society. The increased travel of Kazakhstani citizens also poses a risk of contracting the infection. Even children who have not traveled abroad can now be exposed to the disease in daycare centers or schools.
Experts stress that vaccination is the only way to control whooping cough. Children are recommended to receive vaccinations at 2, 3, 4, and 18 months, with booster shots for adults every 10 years. The importance of vaccination is emphasized, as the disease can have severe consequences and is preventable through immunization.
The recent update of mandatory vaccination requirements in Kazakhstan aims to protect the population from preventable diseases like whooping cough. It is crucial for parents to prioritize their children's health by ensuring they receive timely vaccinations to prevent the spread of dangerous infections.
