A recent report from the Ministry of Health in Israel revealed a tragic incident where a five-week-old infant passed away from whooping cough on June 25th. The epidemiological investigation found that the baby’s mother had not been vaccinated against the disease during pregnancy.
Whooping cough can be especially dangerous for children under six months of age, often leading to severe complications and even death. That’s why the Ministry of Health strongly advises women to get vaccinated against whooping cough during the third trimester of pregnancy. This vaccination allows the mother’s body to produce antibodies that can be passed on to the fetus, providing crucial protection until the baby can receive their own vaccine.
The rise in whooping cough cases in Israel has been a cause for concern, with the Ministry of Health actively working to curb this increase through various efforts. Health department employees are conducting interviews with patients diagnosed with whooping cough to pinpoint possible sources of infection and offer guidance on preventing further spread. Additionally, the Ministry has adjusted the age at which newborns receive their first whooping cough vaccination at Tipat Halav clinics, bringing it forward from 8 to 6 weeks to provide infants with early protection. They are also promoting and encouraging vaccination among pregnant women to safeguard both mothers and their babies from this dangerous disease.
It is important for parents and pregnant women to understand the severity of whooping cough and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from its deadly effects.