Pertussis Vaccination: Why is it Crucial? First Infant Death Reported in Korea

First Infant Pertussis Death in South Korea Highlights Importance of Vaccination

The recent death of an infant under two months old from pertussis (whooping cough) has underscored the critical importance of vaccination. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the infant, who was hospitalized with pertussis, sadly passed away on the 4th of this month after their condition worsened during treatment. The infant had not yet received their first pertussis vaccination, leaving them vulnerable. While receiving treatment, their cough and phlegm worsened, ultimately leading to a pertussis diagnosis.

While pertussis cases in South Korea have historically affected young children and adolescents, this is the first pertussis-related death since 2011.

Surge in Pertussis Cases Underscores Need for National Response and High-Risk Group Protection

The KDCA reports a significant increase in pertussis cases in South Korea this year. While there were only 292 cases last year, over 30,000 cases have already been reported by the first week of November this year. This surge reflects a global increase in pertussis outbreaks.

Protecting Infants Through Vaccination: The Importance of Maternal Immunization

The KDCA emphasizes the necessity of vaccination to protect infants from pertussis. For infants lacking immunity before their first vaccination, maternal vaccination is crucial to provide a degree of protection from birth. Receiving the pertussis vaccine during pregnancy transfers antibodies to the fetus, reducing the risk of early infection.

A KDCA official stated, "Maternal pertussis vaccination can protect infants," and strongly recommended vaccination for high-risk groups.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is an acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects young children and is characterized by severe coughing fits. Initially, it may resemble a common cold, but over time, it develops into characteristic paroxysmal coughing, potentially leading to respiratory distress in severe cases.

Main Symptoms of Pertussis

• Coughing Fits : Characterized by repeated fits of coughing that make it difficult to breathe, often followed by a high-pitched "whooping" sound.
• Phlegm : May accompany severe coughing.
• Respiratory Distress : Coughing can compromise oxygen supply, especially in young children and infants with weak immune systems.
• Fever : May present as a mild fever in the initial stages, similar to a cold.

Transmission and Risk

Pertussis spreads through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. Close contact with an infected individual increases the risk of transmission. It is particularly dangerous for infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Infants are at high risk of infection before receiving the pertussis vaccine, as their immunity is low during the first few months of life.

Prevention and Management

The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination. The pertussis vaccine is administered from two months of age, with booster shots given at intervals throughout childhood and adolescence. Maternal vaccination provides some level of immunity to the newborn by transferring antibodies to the fetus.

Pertussis is difficult to treat once contracted, and can be fatal, especially in infants. Therefore, prevention is paramount.