Skopje, 21 February 2024 (MIA) - The whooping cough (pertussis) situation is under control. It is not stable yet considering the rise of confirmed cases - 56 in total - 46 of which in Skopje. Fourteen are children under the age of 1, with nine more aged 1-4, said Commission for Infectious Diseases chair Aleksandar Petlichkovski on Wednesday.

"Adolescents aged 10-14 and older are now emerging, and this demographic structure of cases will change a bit in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, let me stress that our biggest concern as a healthcare system is to prevent the spread of the infection among small children, since babies under the age of 1 are most affected and vulnerable," said Petlichkovski.

He added that over 13,000 children have been vaccinated since January 18, when the commission issued the initial recommendation, while adding there are still thousands of children that require inoculation.

On the need for adults to be revaccinated, Petlichkovski said pertussis is not a severe disease for adults, can be treated with medicines and there is room for fear.

"Adults are dangerous as transmitters to small children. There are currently no vaccines for adults but they are set to arrive shortly, probably by next week. This vaccine for adults is the one recommended for pregnant women," said Petlichkovski.

According to him, adults living in communities that include children under the age of 1 should be protected through revaccination in order to prevent the disease transmission.

On the possibility of a measles epidemic in North Macedonia, as is the case in some European countries, Commission spokesperson Zlate Mehmedovikj urged parents to be conscientious and vaccinate their children.

"Ninety-five percent of vaccinated persons against any disease is a guarantee for a safe population and no spread of a disease," said Mehmedovikj and added that the anti-vax movement is the number one threat to public health.

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