site.bta Over 500 Pertussis Cases Registered

Health Minister Galya Kondeva and Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev Friday gave a briefing on the spread of pertussis (whooping cough) in Bulgaria. Kondeva said that with more than 500 registered pertussis cases compared to four a year earlier, Bulgaria is seeing an epidemic spread of the infection.

More than 90% of all cases are children. Infants under one year of age are the highest risk group for complications and hospitalization because 84% of them have not been immunized for various reasons.

Kondeva said the immunization calendar would be updated on a proposal by the Chief State Health Inspector and based on opinions from the National Expert Council on Immunizations and the Council of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. After the change, the application of the 6-in-1 vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B can start earlier, from the age of six weeks instead of eight weeks now.

The Health Ministry will provide free, voluntary immunization for all pregnant women between the 27th and 36th week.

Angel Kunchev said immunization sites would open in all the regional capitals. The problem with the highest risk group will largely be solved by lowering the immunization age for infants and by recommending immunization for pregnant women, which would also provide antibodies for the newborns.

More than 80% of those infected who have developed the disease were not immunized because they were below the required age or missed doses.