site.btaPertussis-Containment Measures Take Effect

Temporary epidemic-control measures took  effect in Bulgaria on May 9 and will last until July 31, 2024 on account of the epidemic spread of pertussis. The measures were ordered by Health Minister Galya Kondeva, and the order has been published on her Ministry's website.

Under the measures, pregnant women will have an option to receive a single-jab combined diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) immunization between the 27th and 36th documented week inclusive. The immunization is recommended and free of charge and will be administered at the regional health inspectorates and/or at designated medical-treatment facilities.

Regional health inspectorates which receive a report on a pertussis case will carry out an epidemiological study and will prescribe the requisite epidemic-containment measures concerning the patient, their contacts and the outside environment.

If a pertussis case is recorded at a kindergarten or school, the recommendations are for enhanced airing out, wet wiping and disinfection of surfaces and floors, procuring appropriate hand sanitizers and napkins in each lavatory, checking children and pupils for infectious disease symptoms, and not allowing such children and pupils to attend or advising them to go home. Kindergarten or school attendance will be possible after the child is documented by a doctor as not suffering from a contagious condition.  

According to data released by the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, a total of 843 pertussis cases have been recorded in Bulgaria so far in 2024, of which 291 between April 22 and 28, and 189 between April 29 and May 5.

The epidemic spread of pertussis in the country is expected to continue in the coming months, Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev said in a report, on the basis of which the order for the introduction of temporary anti-epidemic measures was issued on Wednesday.