Skopje, 1 March 2024 (MIA) - The Public Health Institute (PHI) recorded 56 new whooping cough (pertussis) cases between February 23-29, of which 54 in Skopje, and one each in Strumica and Debar.

Most of the cases are in the 10-14 age group, with three children aged 0-4 hospitalized.

As of the end of February, 123 pertussis cases have been recorded, most of which in Skopje (109), followed by Tetovo (5), Kumanovo (4), Gostivar (2), and one each in Struga, Strumica and Debar.

On the total number of cases, 77 were not vaccinated, were partly vaccinated or have no proof of vaccination.

According to the Institute, 13,184 non-vaccinated children have been identified, of whom 5,056 (38.3 percent) have now been inoculated.

MIA file photo