Europe, including Portugal, faces a significant surge in whooping cough cases with nearly 60,000 reported in the EU/EEA between 2023 and April 2024.

In Portugal, there have been 200 confirmed cases, with a high incidence in babies under one year old, who also face the greatest risk of hospitalization and death.

The ECDC reports a tenfold increase in whooping cough cases in the EU/EEA during the same period, urging heightened vigilance and vaccination efforts.

The Portuguese health authorities recommend testing for suspected cases and vaccination for pregnant women to protect newborns against whooping cough.

The decline in immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increased whooping cough cases due to reduced natural immunity.

The ECDC and DGS stress the need for awareness, continued surveillance, and preparedness for early detection and outbreak control.