Luxembourg is witnessing an unusual surge in cases of whooping cough. In contrast to the 18 cases reported throughout 2023, the tally has already reached 86 cases as of 28 February this year.

Among those affected, 56 are students and six are teachers. Whooping cough has surfaced in 35 schools across Luxembourg, primarily impacting children aged 10 to 14.

Just how extraordinary the situation is became evident recently when a team from Luxembourg's Health Inspectorate conducted a vaccination campaign within a secondary school, a response which the Inspectorate described as "exceptional."

Typically, outbreaks only affect a single class, leading to letters being sent to parents. However, in Mersch, seven cases of this bacterial respiratory infection were identified within the local school system.

Dr Anne Vergison sheds light on the symptoms, emphasising that whooping cough primarily manifests as prolonged coughing fits lasting up to three months. While generally not posing serious risks to young individuals, extreme cases may entail brief loss of consciousness or even fractured ribs during severe coughing fits.

Whooping cough is highly contagious, particularly in its early stages. The disease is diagnosed by PCR testing, with treatment involving antibiotics.

High risk for infants

Whooping cough can be very serious in babies, especially newborns, who cannot be vaccinated against the disease in the first eight weeks, making them more vulnerable. Consequently, vaccination of pregnant individuals is strongly advised, as maternal antibodies transmitted through the placenta confer protection to the infant.

Dr Vergison underscores the imperative of maintaining vaccination coverage exceeding 90% across the Grand Duchy to protect vulnerable infants. Families with babies are urged to ensure their immunisations are up to date. The administered vaccine offers comprehensive protection against not only whooping cough but also diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.

Booster campaign for children aged 11-12

Within a mere ten minutes, a vaccination stand was erected at the secondary school in Mersch, poised to serve 700 pupils. The students were asked to present their vaccination cards and, if necessary, receive a booster vaccination, provided their parents had given prior written authorisation. In cases where consent was lacking, parents will receive a letter informing them that a booster vaccination is recommended.

In Luxembourg, it is mainly children aged between 10 and 14 who are affected by whooping cough. "This could be due to the fact that a booster vaccination is given at the age of 5 and the next one only at the age of 15," explains the Director of the Health Inspectorate, acknowledging that the gap may be slightly too long. After five years, immunity wears off gradually, which is why the Higher Council for Infectious Diseases now advocates for an early booster at ages 11 to 12, particularly in scenarios involving contact with infected individuals or households with infants. From age 15 onward, a booster shot every ten years is sufficient.

Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)