Whooping Cough in Argentina

Up until 30 April 2012 597 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory for_Bordetella pertussis_of Argentina. This represents a 90 percent increase over the same time last year. Recommendations on the use of vaccination using the modern combined tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccines have continued to expand in efforts to prevent the substantial morbidity and mortality in infants who have not been yet adequately immunized. The use of the vaccine in pregnant women to provide passive immunity is also now being widely recommended in Argentina as well as in many other countries including Australia and New Zealand.

In adolescents and adults there is waning immunity following primary vaccination in infancy which is the reason for offering booster immunisation in high schools in Australasia. The increasing susceptibility of older children and adults to pertussis, usually manifesting as chronic cough without the typical "whoop," after appropriate primary immunization continues to be increasingly reported. Consulting a health professional in a Travel Doctor clinic is an opportunity for adults to check on the need for a booster dose of pertussis vaccine prior to travel.