Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Whooping Cough Under Control, Says Vanuatu's Health Ministry

Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health has announced that the country’s <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/whooping-cough">whooping cough</a></span> outbreak is now under control after months of monitoring and public health measures.

Officials confirmed that 795 cases have been recorded since June 2025, but recent weeks have seen a clear decline in infections. According to public health authorities, there have been no new cases reported, signalling that transmission is slowing and the situation is gradually stabilizing.

The country’s Public Health Director said weekly immunization reports still show minor fluctuations, which is expected during recovery from an outbreak. However, the overall trend shows the infection is moving back toward normal baseline levels.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Bordetella pertussis bacteria attach to the cilia (small hair-like structures) lining parts of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria release toxins that damage the cilia and cause swelling, leading to severe coughing fits.

Symptoms of whooping cough can vary depending on a person’s age and vaccination status. Initial symptoms often resemble a common cold: runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. However, as the disease progresses, patients may experience uncontrollable, violent coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe. The characteristic "whoop" sound often occurs when the patient gasps for air after a coughing fit.

Babies under 1 year old are most at risk for severe complications, including pneumonia, seizures, and even death. Individuals with underlying health conditions like asthma or those who are immunocompromised also face a higher risk of serious illness.

<h2>How It Spreads And How Can It Be Prevented?</h2>

Whooping cough spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can remain contagious for at least two weeks after symptoms begin. Some individuals may only have mild symptoms yet can still unknowingly transmit the bacteria to vulnerable groups like infants.

The best way to prevent whooping cough is vaccination. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, can also help limit the spread. In some cases, preventive antibiotics (post-exposure prophylaxis) may be recommended for those who have been in close contact with an infected person.

<h2>What Is The Current Situation In Vanuatu?</h2>

Seven people have died during the outbreak in Vanuatu, including three infants. Health officials say these deaths highlight why vaccination remains the most important protection.

Authorities have prioritized immunization campaigns across provinces, focusing especially on children under the age of five. The government has rolled out expanded vaccination outreach to ensure families complete the pentavalent vaccine schedule, which protects against multiple childhood diseases including pertussis.

Health workers are also continuing community awareness efforts, urging caregivers to check vaccination records and ensure children receive the required doses on time. Officials say community cooperation has played a key role in bringing the outbreak under control.

Despite the improvement, authorities are warning residents not to become complacent. Provinces will continue precautionary measures and health surveillance to prevent another surge.

People experiencing symptoms such as persistent coughing, breathing difficulty or fever are being advised to visit a health facility for assessment and treatment. Residents are also encouraged to avoid close contact with anyone who appears unwell to reduce the risk of transmission.

Health officials say the current progress is encouraging, but continued vigilance, vaccination and early treatment remain essential to fully end the outbreak.

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Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health has announced that the country’s whooping cough outbreak is now under control after months of monitoring and public health measures.Officials confirmed that 795 cases have been recorded since June 2025, but recent weeks have seen a clear decline in infections. According to public health authorities, there have been no new cases reported, signalling that transmission is slowing and the situation is gradually stabilizing.The country’s Public Health Director said weekly immunization reports still show minor fluctuations, which is expected during recovery from an outbreak. However, the overall trend shows the infection is moving back toward normal baseline levels.What Is Whooping Cough?Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.How Does It Affect Your Body?According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Bordetella pertussis bacteria attach to the cilia (small hair-like structures) lining parts of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria release toxins that damage the cilia and cause swelling, leading to severe coughing fits.Symptoms of whooping cough can vary depending on a person’s age and vaccination status. Initial symptoms often resemble a common cold: runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. However, as the disease progresses, patients may experience uncontrollable, violent coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe. The characteristic "whoop" sound often occurs when the patient gasps for air after a coughing fit.Who Is More At Risk?Babies under 1 year old are most at risk for severe complications, including pneumonia, seizures, and even death. Individuals with underlying health conditions like asthma or those who are immunocompromised also face a higher risk of serious illness.How It Spreads And How Can It Be Prevented?Whooping cough spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can remain contagious for at least two weeks after symptoms begin. Some individuals may only have mild symptoms yet can still unknowingly transmit the bacteria to vulnerable groups like infants.The best way to prevent whooping cough is vaccination. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, can also help limit the spread. In some cases, preventive antibiotics (post-exposure prophylaxis) may be recommended for those who have been in close contact with an infected person.What Is The Current Situation In Vanuatu?Seven people have died during the outbreak in Vanuatu, including three infants. Health officials say these deaths highlight why vaccination remains the most important protection.Authorities have prioritized immunization campaigns across provinces, focusing especially on children under the age of five. The government has rolled out expanded vaccination outreach to ensure families complete the pentavalent vaccine schedule, which protects against multiple childhood diseases including pertussis.Health workers are also continuing community awareness efforts, urging caregivers to check vaccination records and ensure children receive the required doses on time. Officials say community cooperation has played a key role in bringing the outbreak under control.Despite the improvement, authorities are warning residents not to become complacent. Provinces will continue precautionary measures and health surveillance to prevent another surge.People experiencing symptoms such as persistent coughing, breathing difficulty or fever are being advised to visit a health facility for assessment and treatment. Residents are also encouraged to avoid close contact with anyone who appears unwell to reduce the risk of transmission.Health officials say the current progress is encouraging, but continued vigilance, vaccination and early treatment remain essential to fully end the outbreak.