TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) reported on Wednesday (Jan. 22) the first whooping cough case of the year, involving a 2-month-old girl from southern Taiwan. The infant, who began showing symptoms on Jan. 2, was hospitalized last Saturday after her condition worsened. Health officials have identified seven contacts, with one exhibiting symptoms.
The CDC reported one domestic case this year, with previous years ranging from zero to 33 cases. Infants under 3 months make up 29.3% of cases, followed by those aged 13-19 at 24.4%. Since 2024, global whooping cough cases have surged, with China reporting over 490,000 cases last year, 14 times the 2023 figure. South Korea has already reported over 1,600 cases this year, while Japan's numbers continue to rise.
The CDC warned that early symptoms resemble a common cold, leading to delayed treatment and potential household transmission. They urged those with symptoms like severe coughing or post-cough vomiting to seek medical attention promptly. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method, with Taiwan providing vaccines at specific intervals for infants and young children.
Due to the prevalence of cases in infants under 3 months who have not completed vaccination, the CDC recommends pregnant women receive a Tdap vaccine between weeks 28-36. They also suggest caregivers consider vaccination to protect infants. Parents and older children should practice respiratory hygiene and avoid crowded places to reduce infection risk.
