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As pertussis re-emerges globally, epidemiological surveillance in the country has detected 27 confirmed cases in Tahiti since June 14, 2024, 13 of which were children under one year of age (10 were six months or younger).
Four children required hospitalization, including three infants under three months old. These cases in recent weeks suggest that the bacteria is continuing to spread among the population and may be beginning an epidemic.
In this context, the Minister of Health, Cédric Mercadal, has asked the Regulatory Agency for Health and Social Action (ARASS) to organize and manage the alert management units in order to coordinate the response, develop actions to slow the spread of the infection and limit its impact on the population and the health system.
The meeting was the first joint working meeting with all health partners, including representatives of the Directorate-General for Education and Teaching (DGEE), the Labour Department, the Health Department, the Centre Hospitalier de French Polynesia (CHPF), the Institut Louis-Mallard (ILM), the Social Security Fund (CPS), individual health professionals (doctors, pharmacists, midwives), nurseries and crèches, and the Commune of Arue.
This highly contagious respiratory illness carries significant risks, especially for infants and people with weakened respiratory or immune systems. The initial symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of the common cold and include a runny nose, mild fever, and a mild cough. However, a severe cough may develop after one to two weeks. This severe, uncontrollable cough can make it difficult to breathe. Therefore, whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants and young children and can lead to serious complications or even death.
Vaccination remains the most effective measure to prevent whooping cough, so health authorities encourage people to be extra vigilant and protect themselves, especially the most vulnerable groups, especially infants.
To this end, there are simple measures that can be taken individually or collectively. These measures also apply to the prevention of other diseases and serve as a general reminder during the back-to-school period.
And, be sure to get the vaccinations! Especially if you are pregnant, or have just given birth, even if you are breastfeeding, preferably before leaving the delivery room; if you are a newborn companion of the child (parents, siblings, grandparents and all other people who may have close and lasting contact with the baby during the first 6 months of life), you must be vaccinated at the birth of the child at the latest; if you are a health or early childhood professional, if the last vaccination was more than 5 years ago, booster vaccinations are recommended;
Use barrier gestures: wash hands regularly with soap and water or hydroalcoholic solution, wear a surgical mask when coughing, and avoid close contact with others when feeling unwell;
See a doctor: If you or your child develops symptoms of whooping cough, contact your health care professional right away for diagnosis and treatment.
Let us remain vigilant and act together. Fighting infectious diseases is an individual and collective responsibility.
Source: Government
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