Amid a surge in whooping cough cases across Luxembourg, the Ermesinde secondary school is bracing for a visit from the Health Inspectorate this week, with vaccinations offered to mitigate the spread of the highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease.

At the Ermesinde secondary school, several children have been affected by the disease and a visit by the Health Inspectorate is scheduled for 29 February.

"Several cases of whooping cough have recently been reported in your child's school and we would like to inform you of the measures to be taken to limit the spread of this disease, which can be prevented by vaccination", the Health Ministry wrote in a letter to parents. Contacted by RTL, the Ministry has since confirmed that cases have also been reported in other schools throughout the country.

Ermesinde management has announced that a team from the Health Inspectorate will be on the premises on Thursday to offer vaccinations, a standard procedure in such cases.

Whooping cough, the Ministry of Health points out, "is a bacterial respiratory disease transmitted by droplets released when coughing. It is highly contagious." A statement further warns: "Whooping cough initially manifests itself as a severe cold with a cough and low-grade fever. The cough can take the form of severe fits and lasts for several weeks and can wake you up at night. This disease can be very serious for babies who have not yet been vaccinated and for vulnerable adults."

The majority of children and adults have been vaccinated, but a booster is needed regularly, according to the Ministry: "Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the disease and avoiding its transmission. Similarly, vaccination immediately after contact with a sick person can prevent the disease. If your child is not, or is no longer, in good standing for vaccination, or if their last dose was more than five years ago, it is recommended that they be vaccinated as soon as possible after contact with a positive case."

The vaccine used is a combination vaccine that also protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. In case of questions, people are advised to contact the Health Inspectorate via telephone: 247-85650.

Cases of whooping cough have increased significantly in Luxembourg since the beginning of the year. 21 new cases of the disease have been detected since the start of the year, whereas only 18 cases were recorded in the whole of 2023.

RTL

© Screenshot Santé