Health Bureau logs third whooping cough case this year

The third case of whooping cough in Macau this year, which was an imported case, was detected on March 8, the Health Bureau (SSM) has announced.

Officially known as pertussis, the disease is caused by a type of bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. With an incubation period between four and 21 days – most commonly between seven to 10 days – it can be transmitted by direct contact with droplets from patients.

According to the Hong Kong government’s Centre for Health Protection, an infected person may initially have non-specific symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, a low-grade fever and a mild cough.

The cough gradually becomes more severe, and spells of violent coughing can interfere with eating, drinking, and breathing.

The bacteria can cause lung infection, and even lead to seizures and coma in severe cases.

The center warns a child with a persistent fever and cough and with distressing gasping during the coughing episode should be brought to hospital immediately.

The SSM has recommend all infants and children be vaccinated against the disease, adding that this is the most effective scientifically proven method of prevention.

In terms of treatment, the SSM has noted that an antibiotic remedy is effective, but only at the early onset stage.

The patient, 3, resides in mainland China despite being a local ID holder. A family member of his had earlier been diagnosed with the disease. Despite having developed symptoms and having sought medical assistance in mainland China, he was only diagnosed by the local public hospital. He had not received the fourth dose of vaccine, the SSM noted.