Pertussis (Wooping Cough) in Pakistan

29 Jan 2015

The media has reported on an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in the Dera Bugti district of Balochistan province, southwest Pakistan.

The number of cases has not been specified in the article, however, a total of 13 fatal cases has been reported within 16 days. Eleven of the fatal cases were located in the Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti district, where vaccination coverage is said to be as low as 5% in the population.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of pertussis vaccine in accordance with the UK schedule. The JCVI recommends pertussis boosters for pregnant women, but not for other adults in the UK.