Babies are prone to suffocation and long pauses in breathing, which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, seizures, dehydration, brain damage, or even death. It is essential to recognize the warning signs of whooping cough, such as difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing, uncontrollable coughing in children and babies, fever, and severe apnea.
According to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System, Mexico City has the highest number of whooping cough cases, up to week 9, with 46 confirmed cases. It is followed by Nuevo León, Chihuahua, State of Mexico, Jalisco, and Aguascalientes, which also report a high number of cases. Symptoms of whooping cough include runny or congested nose, sneezing, and mild coughing, being a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through direct contact with droplets when coughing or sneezing.
Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium "Bordetella pertussis," can affect people of all ages, but primarily children, potentially causing permanent disability and even death. Episodes of whooping cough can lead to vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even a "whooping" sound when trying to inhale. It is vital to stay alert to the symptoms and seek medical attention at any sign of alarm.
Recently, an increase in whooping cough cases has been observed in at least 15 states of Mexico, with symptoms that can last up to 10 weeks. Although the first symptoms are often confused with those of a common cold, it is important to pay attention to the persistent and violent cough that characterizes this highly contagious bacterial disease. It is crucial to follow the recommendations of health authorities to prevent the spread of whooping cough and protect the health of the population.
