site.btaChief State Health Inspector: Pertussis Epidemic Spreading at Relatively Low Rate, Cases Currently at 1,300

Speaking at Nova TV’s morning programme on Saturday, Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev said that there are currently some 1,300 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in Bulgaria, adding that the epidemic is spreading at a relatively low rate. Of those infected, just over 100 have been hospitalized, with the majority being admitted for medical observation.

In his words, the temporary epidemic prevention and control measures taken to lower the age of immunization and the possibility for pregnant women to get the jab have already proved to have a positive effect on the containment of the disease. Kunchev noted that nearly 400 pregnant women have been vaccinated in recent days.

Asked whether a person can get pertussis more than once, the Chief State Health Inspector said that it is possible, but that is rarely the case.

The highest incidence is seen in Southwest Bulgaria: Sofia Region, Kyustendil, Pernik, and Blagoevgrad. They account for over 60% of cases. Pertussis cases have been recorded in all regions of the country, he added.

Kunchev noted there is a boom in ticks this year, with the first tick cases reported in late March. He said that if ticks are removed gently within 24 hours after they get attached to the skin, there is very little chance of infection.