Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwang-deok) recently urged citizens to exercise special caution and follow preventive measures as the number of pertussis cases has increased again during the changing seasons.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory disease characterized mainly by paroxysmal coughing. It is caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis bacterium and spreads easily through respiratory secretions or droplets.
This disease does not usually cause high fever but symptoms such as paroxysmal coughing, runny nose, and tearing last for 1 to 2 weeks. During this period, it is highly contagious, so caution is necessary.
Especially for infants under 1 year old, the risk of severe complications is high, making it important to complete vaccinations on time.
The city recommends timely vaccination at six intervals: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, 4 to 6 years, and 11 to 12 years to prevent pertussis.
If there are high-risk individuals in the household, it is advisable to seek medical care immediately if respiratory symptoms occur.
Lee Jeong-mi, Director of Namyangju Pungyang Public Health Center, said, “The most important thing for preventing pertussis is for vaccination candidates to strictly adhere to the vaccination schedule,” adding, “Proper handwashing after going out, practicing cough etiquette, and regular ventilation greatly help block transmission.”
She also emphasized, “If a child or student shows symptoms of pertussis, they should refrain from attending school or daycare and promptly receive medical treatment.”
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