The whooping cough It is one Respiratory infection caused by a bacterium –Bordetella pertussis– extremely contagious and that can become deadly, especially in newborn babies.
Since 2020, suspected cases of whooping cough In Guatemala they have varied every year, and few confirmed are recorded.
However, in 2024 65 suspects were recorded and 9 confirmedhalf in the Guatemala department.
In this 2025, between the January 1 and March 1, 2025was 14 suspicious and 7 confirmed casesmainly in Pastors, Sacatepéquez and the central area.
Although the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance He does not consider that the figure is high, he issued a epidemiological alert on February 14, 2025 to prevent its expansion.
What are the symptoms of the Raine cough
The doctor Lesly Jacintopediatric infectologist Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS), detailed what are the symptoms of the disease, its risk factors and the greatest complications it can produce.
Jacinto explained that if the disease is not detected in time, cough intensifies and can cause serious complications.
“It is a serious illness in very young and not vaccinated children. In children under six months, it can even be deadly.”confirmed.
It is a respiratory infection that evolves in three phases: catarral, paroxysmal and convalescence.
An important point, he said, is that when the disease occurs, in the Catarral phase, The initial symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, which hinders its early diagnosis.
Once there is a contagion, signs and symptoms take some 7 to 10 days to appear, although sometimes it can be longer.
In general, the symptoms are mild at the beginning and resemble those of the common cold:
- Moqueo
- Nasal congestion
- Red, crying eyes
- Fever
- Cough
As the disease progresses (paroxysmal phase), an intense dry cough appears, which in many cases is accompanied by an acute sound when inhale, known as “rooster cough”.
In some cases, patients can collapse and present cyanosis, that is, A bluish coloration on the lips and nose due to the lack of oxygen. This third phase usually lasts between two and four weeks.
This can lead to a severe lack of oxygen and pulmonary collapse, which requires specialized hospital care and, in some cases, invasive treatments.
Serious and prolonged cough attacks can cause:
- Vomiting
- Turn the face red or bluish.
- Cause extreme fatigue.
- Finish with a whistling and sharp sound when the baby tries to inhale air.
Known as ‘100 days’ disease
In premature or risk factorsthe people’s cough can progress rapidly, affecting the lungs, trachea and bronchioles.
“It can invade the lungs, trachea and bronchioles, affecting the smallest parts of the lung and causing lack of oxygen. This can lead to pulmonary collapse and require hospitalization,” Jacinto explained.
Known as “100 -day disease”, it is characterized by a persistent and difficult cough. This is because The bacteria produces toxins that, in addition to affecting the respiratory system, They can do it in the central nervous system, generating neurotoxicity.
These toxins prolong symptoms and hinder their antibiotic treatment.
“It becomes A cough that costs to cure and does not take away immediately, so it is described as 100 -day disease, Because the bacteria has some characteristics that make it harm at the level of the cells, “added the expert.
Phases of the disease
- Catarral phase: It resembles a common cold, with mild symptoms.
- Paroxysmal phase: The characteristic cough is developed, in intense and repetitive episodes (“rooster”), which can lead to hypoxia (purple coloration in lips and nose). This phase lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
- CONVALECENCE PHASE: The cough persists, but with less intensity, being able to prolong up to 100 days.
How to detect the Raine cough and who are more vulnerable
The diagnosis can be performed through tests known as ‘PCR’, which detect genetic material of the bacteria in the respiratory tract.
In public and private laboratories, there are evidence capable of identifying up to 20 pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, which allows results in term of 4 to 6 hours and confirm the presence of the disease.
The highest risk groups include babies, older adults and non -vaccinated people.
School -age children can act as carriers and transmit the disease to vulnerable people, such as those with immunosuppression. In older adults, infection is usually less serious, but still represents a risk.
How to prevent Perita cough: indispensable vaccination
One of the main problems today is the decrease in vaccination due to world anti -vaccine movements.
The doctor stressed that in countries like Mexico more cases have been detected due to lack of immunization in children. Vaccination is key to reducing the risk of infection and avoiding severe cases.
“It is important to be attentive to epidemiological alerts without falling into alarmism. Vaccinated children are protected, but it is necessary to remember that the people’s cough is a serious illness that can be lethal,” said the doctor.
Therefore, all pregnant women They should receive the vaccine between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation, which allows them to generate antibodies that will pass to the baby and protect it in their first days of life.
- Vaccination: It is the most effective measure. It is administered in the Pentavalente at 2, 4 and 6 months, with reinforcements at 18 months and 4 years.
- Vaccination in pregnant women: Between 28 and 32 weeks to protect the baby.
Treatment
If a case of the Raine cough is confirmed, the treatment must be initiated immediately to reduce the patient’s infection capacity.
With the administration of antibiotics, the transmission decreases and, after the fifth day of treatment, the patient is no longer contagious.
During this period it is recommended that the sick remain at home and isolate vulnerable people until the treatment is completed.
In addition, it is essential to reinforce hygiene measures, like him handwashingthe Surface disinfection and one Adequate ventilation in closed spaces.
Also read: New Vaccination Law in Guatemala would guarantee free and non -mandatory immunization