Rising whooping cough cases in 2025 call for renewed focus on vaccination

AS THE unmistakable high-pitched gasp associated with pertussis, commonly known as "whooping cough", continues to echo in South Africa, a slight increase in cases has raised significant concern among health professionals.

- SATURDAY STAR REPORTER

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported that while pertussis numbers remain relatively low in 2025, the highly contagious nature of this respiratory infection demands vigilant action.

"Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection, and most people recover after a prolonged period of coughing, but for some it can lead to pneumonia and other potentially life-threatening complications - especially for young children, pregnant women, and older people," explains Dr Rubena Sathar, a general practitioner (GP) at Netcare Medicross Cape Road. The onset of pertussis is often insidious. Initial symptoms can be mistaken for a common cold, with mild respiratory issues persisting for the first week or two.