Maria Marklund in an infectious disease doctor at Region Västerbotten.
Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection that, for adults, can feel like a common cold with a cough and fever. When infants are affected, however, it can lead to a severe and sometimes life-threatening condition, according to the Public Health Agency.
– It can feel like you're losing your breath from the coughing, you gasp, says Maria Marklund, an infectious disease doctor at Region Västerbotten.
During the years 2022 and 2023, there were no cases of whooping cough in Västerbotten, but this year seven cases have been detected. Maria Marklund says the reason for the increase is unknown. However, during the pandemic years, there was a general decline in the number of infected with various diseases, and now a general increase is seen nationally.
– It is important to be observant of symptoms and to get vaccinated according to recommendations. If you have a cough, you should also avoid meeting small children and pregnant women, to avoid infecting them, says Maria Marklund.
The Public Health Agency recommends pregnant women to get vaccinated against whooping cough to provide protection for the baby from birth. The vaccine is also included in the recommended vaccination program for children and should be taken regularly from three months of age through to the 9th grade for the best protection.
Health care professionals are obliged to register any whooping cough cases.