In recent months, there has been an increase in whooping cough morbidity in Israel and in cases of hospitalization due to whooping cough. According to Ministry of Health data, 166 new cases were reported last August, 190 in July, 122 in June, 99 cases in May and 94 cases in April, including a 10-week-old baby who died as a result of whooping cough. Most of the reported cases are from the Jerusalem district, but many cases have been reported throughout the country.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the pertussis infection is high mainly in densely populated areas with low rates of receiving routine vaccinations, where the most significant morbidity and most hospitalizations are among unvaccinated babies less than six months old.
The Ministry's announcement stated that "The Ministry of Health reminds that whooping cough is a particularly dangerous disease for babies up to six months of age that can cause complications and death. The vaccine given to babies starting at six weeks of age provides protection against several diseases, including whooping cough and polio."
It was also reported: "The Ministry of Health recommends giving a vaccine to women in the third trimester of pregnancy, which allows the pregnant woman to develop antibodies to pertussis at a high level and pass them through the placenta to the fetus in the womb, thus giving the newborn baby protection until he can receive the vaccine himself.
"The Ministry emphasizes the importance of giving routine vaccinations against infectious diseases, some of which can cause severe complications and death. Adherence to routine vaccinations is important to prevent outbreaks of illness among children and their environment. A vaccinated child is a protected child," said the Ministry of Health.