The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed an additional case of whooping cough or pertussis, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to five.
The HPA stated that the latest confirmation involves a child from Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll on January 31. The occurrence has raised the total number of cases on the island to five. The affected children have undergone testing and received appropriate treatment, while a specialised task force has been established at the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Hospital in Villingili to manage the situation.
In response to the situation, the HPA has conducted contact tracing and administered antibiotic prophylaxis to infants under one year of age and pregnant women in their sixth month. The agency urged parents to ensure that children under the age of seven receive the complete whooping cough vaccination promptly. Health centres in the islands will provide access to the vaccine. Individuals are also advised to promptly seek medical attention if they experience persistent coughing or encounter respiratory difficulties.
Whooping cough, a respiratory disease, initially presents symptoms similar to common illnesses. The cough becomes severe and persists for an extended period after a week. However, individuals that have completed the vaccination may not exhibit serious symptoms if infected.