At least 172 cases of whooping cough have been registered in Kyrgyzstan as of May 1, 2025. The Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis reported.
According to its data, 130 cases have been registered in the city of Bishkek, 38 cases in — Chui region, two cases — in Naryn region, one case each in the city of Osh and Jalal-Abad region.
By age, 85 cases (49.4 percent) have been registered among children under 12 months old, 67 cases (39 percent) among children aged 1–4 years, 15 cases (8.7 percent) among children aged 5–9 years, 4 cases (2.3 percent) among children aged 10–14 years, and 1 case (0.6 percent) among children aged 15–19 years.
Whooping cough is an acute bacterial respiratory disease caused by the pertussis bacillus.
«Despite the existence of effective vaccination, there has been an increase in the number of whooping cough cases in recent years. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants and young children,» the Republican Center emphasized.
The main symptom of the disease is a paroxysmal cough that lasts up to several weeks and is accompanied by vomiting and difficulty breathing. Infants may experience respiratory arrest, which requires immediate medical attention.
Common complications include pneumonia, encephalopathy, and seizures.
In adults, the disease may present in a mild or atypical form, but it still poses a serious risk to unvaccinated children by contributing to the spread of the infection.
When to seek medical help: if you or your child has a prolonged cough, especially with a characteristic «whooshing » sound on inhalation; coughing fits that cause vomiting, convulsions or loss of consciousness; in case of any breathing disorder in infants.
Vaccination remains the only effective way to protect against whooping cough. The national immunization schedule includes vaccinations for children at 2, 3.5, and 5 months of age.
