The Ministry of Health has raised an alert about a concerning increase in deaths due to whooping cough, a disease that in 2025 has claimed the lives of 45 infants under one year old without prior vaccination. According to the latest epidemiological bulletin (cut-off on April 18), 91% of the deaths occurred in babies under six months.
Whooping cough, caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, presents three phases: the catarrhal phase (1 to 2 weeks) with mild symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and low fever; this is the most contagious phase. The paroxysmal phase (4 to 6 weeks) is characterized by intense, nighttime coughing attacks, with cyanosis, vomiting, and a characteristic inspiratory stridor; generally without fever. And the convalescent phase, where residual cough gradually decreases and the patient is no longer contagious.
The reported fatal cases are concentrated in 15 states, led by Puebla, Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, and San Luis PotosÃ. The Ministry of Health also provided recommendations to prevent this disease, which include a complete vaccination schedule for children and boosters for pregnant women, as well as preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, covering coughs with the elbow, and cleaning surfaces.
"Vaccination is the most effective tool to protect newborns," emphasized the agency in its statement, where it also urged to review the National Health Cards and visit medical centers for respiratory symptoms in infants. The current outbreak contrasts with 2024, when no deaths were recorded by this same date. Authorities attribute the increase to low vaccination coverage and recommend intensifying surveillance in public and private medical units.
