Pertussis epidemic in Denmark, August 2023 to February 2024
Anne Christine Nordholm, Hanne‐Dorthe Emborg, Sarah Kristine Nørgaard, Ulrikka Nygaard, Aoife Ronayne, Lise Birk Nielsen, Bolette Søborg, Peter Henrik Andersen, Tine Dalby
Abstract
We report a record high pertussis epidemic in Denmark since August 2023. Highest incidence was in adolescents, while peak incidence in infants was lower vs previous epidemics in 2019 and 2016. Among infants aged 0-2 months, over half (29/48) were hospitalised and one infant died, underlining the disease severity in the youngest. To protect infants, pertussis vaccination in pregnant women was introduced in January 2024 in the national vaccination programme. Improved vaccination surveillance in pregnant women is being implemented.
Topics & Concepts
MedicinePediatricsEnvironmental healthBacterial Infections and VaccinesPneumonia and Respiratory InfectionsInfectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis