Peak of pertussis cases expected by the end of May, caretaker Health Minister said

At the moment, there are about 400 recorded cases of pertussis. This is still far from the peak, which is expected by the end of May, the caretaker Health Minister Dr Galya Kondeva told BNT on April 24.

She explained that because of the Covid-19 pandemic there have been some gaps in pertussis immunisation.

"One of the possible reasons for the morbidity is that after the Covid-19 pandemic, some children missed getting the vaccine. Even though those who are immunised also get sick from pertussis, they just get through it more easily," Dr. Galya Kondeva stressed.

Dr. Galya Kondeva said that no serious complications in adults are expected from the disease. The price for the vaccine in pharmacies will be 30 BGN.

"All specialists are of the opinion that the new vaccine makes the response shorter and therefore after 3 - 4 years there is a wider spread, but there are fewer side effects. No serious complications in adults are expected from the disease," she added.

Dr. Galya Kondeva announced that the largest number of whopping cough cases is in Sofia.

"The largest number of pertussis cases is in Sofia. In 11 districts in the country (out of 28), there are still no registered cases and therefore no epidemic can be declared. It is possible that the holidays that are coming will slightly limit the spread in schools and kindergartens. Only classes with sick pupils will be quarantined in schools. The quarantine is 14 days," the caretaker Health Minister said.

By the end of the week it will be clear if a pertussis epidemic needs to be declared