[Pertussis in the Netherlands]

Abstract

Despite high vaccination coverage, an increasing incidence of pertussis has been observed in recent years, especially among adults. Particularly in children less than three months of age, pertussis can lead to severe complications or even death. The increasing incidence of pertussis has been attributed to various factors, including increased awareness and waning vaccine-induced immunity in combination with pathogen adaptation. Changes in the vaccination schedule, the addition of a booster vaccination and an adjustment of the vaccine itself play an important part in handling this problem. A timely diagnosis of pertussis by a GP followed by antibiotic therapy can prevent potentially severe pertussis in young infants and avoid the spread of the bacteria. Targeting vaccination at adults and health care workers who are in close contact with infants may prevent transmission of pertussis to infants.