Additional case of whooping cough detected in Gaafu Alifu atoll Villingili

With an additional patient testing positive, cases of the previously contained Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough), a highly contagious respiratory infection, detected in Gaafu Alifu atoll Villingili has brought the total number of cases to five.

In a post on X, Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that an additional positive case for Whooping Cough has been reported in the island. However, the age of the patient has not been disclosed.

Previously, four children in Villingili tested positive for Whooping Cough, with the first case emerging on January 23.

HPA said that the Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital has initiated a task force to prevent the spread of the disease in collaboration with institutions on the island.

According to statistics released by the agency, 177 contacts of the infection have been identified with 25 symptomatic individuals. While 46 contacts exhibiting symptoms of Whooping Cough were tested, two are at high risk of complications.

HPA has also advised the use of masks to protect themselves from whooping cough and other respiratory diseases when in public, especially those displaying symptoms, and to avoid crowds such as schools and offices. They also urged people to avoid sick patients and encouraged frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizers.

The agency has also instructed people to take the Influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations and urged children under seven years of age who have not completed their Pertussis doses to complete them.

Whooping cough, a respiratory tract infection, may begin with general symptoms of a cold, such as low-grade fever, runny nose, mild cough, and a blocked nose. After about one to two weeks, the dry, irritating cough changes into coughing spells that can last for more than a minute. Over time, coughing spells become more severe, and coughing may last for several weeks, sometimes 10 weeks or longer.

Previously contained whooping cough re-emerges; 3 cases in GA. Villin'gili

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