Skopje, 5 April 2024 (MIA) – Fifty new cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were registered in North Macedonia between March 29 and April 4, shows the latest weekly report of the Public Health Institute published Friday. The number of new infections dropped by 21.9 percent compared to the previous seven-day period.

Most of the new cases were registered in Skopje (34), but there are also cases in Bitola (7) and Tetovo (5), Gostivar, Kratovo, Veles, Gevgelija have also registered 1 case each.

The ages of the newly registered patients range from 1 month to 52 years, with most patients being in the 10-14 age range.

Out of the 50 new infections, nine have resulted in hospitalization. 

Sixteen of the new infections were fully vaccinated, six were vaccinated in accordance with their age, and 28 were incompletely vaccinated, unvaccinated or lack proof of vaccination.

As of April 4, North Macedonia has registered a total of 399 cases of whooping cough. Most of the cases are in Skopje (317 or 79.7 percent). The ages of infected patients range from 1 month to 78 years. The distribution by sex shows that 197 of all infected patients are male, while 202 are female, the Institute said.

According to the Institute, 58 (14.5 percent) of all cases have resulted in hospitalization, 49 (84.5 percent) of which are children younger than four years.

Photo: MIA