Pertussis epidemic in Denmark, August 2023 to February 2024

Euro Surveill. 2024 Apr;29(14):2400160. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.14.2400160.

Abstract

We report a record high pertussis epidemic in Denmark since August 2023. Highest incidence was in adolescents, while peak incidence in infants was lower vs previous epidemics in 2019 and 2016. Among infants aged 0-2 months, over half (29/48) were hospitalised and one infant died, underlining the disease severity in the youngest. To protect infants, pertussis vaccination in pregnant women was introduced in January 2024 in the national vaccination programme. Improved vaccination surveillance in pregnant women is being implemented.

Keywords: Bordetella pertussis; epidemiology; public health; respiratory infection; surveillance; whooping cough.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Denmark / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Pertussis Vaccine
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women
  • Vaccination
  • Whooping Cough* / epidemiology
  • Whooping Cough* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Pertussis Vaccine