Although last week the Ministry of Health announced the activation of its protocols for the care and detection of pertussis, the truth is that there is a shortage of vaccine against this disease, as confirmed by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS).
Dr. Leandra Abarca Gómez, from the institution’s Epidemiological Surveillance, indicated that there is a shortage of TDAP vaccines, which protect against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
But efforts are being made to urgently purchase these doses, according to Abarca.
Health reported an unusual increase in cases of whooping cough because in the first months of the year there are 27 cases, while in all of 2018 the number was 34. The CCSS also indicated that epidemiological surveillance actions are being strengthened to detect cases and address them adequately, thus reducing the likelihood of transmission.
Tetanus is a disease caused by the bacterium clostridium. It causes painful stiffness in the muscles and prevents opening the mouth, swallowing or, sometimes, even breathing.
Diphtheria is a bacterium that causes throat infection and produces a gray to black, hard and fibrous covering that can clog the airways.
Whooping cough is an infection of the respiratory system that causes coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting, weight loss and sleep disorders.
Health alerts went on due to a pertussis outbreak reported in Panama. Puntarenas is the province with the majority of cases of whooping cough, with a total of 16 cases, while the most affected population is children under one year old.