Country-Specific Data and Priorities for Pertussis in Latin America: Recent Findings From the Global Pertussis Initiative - Summary - MDSpire

Country-Specific Data and Priorities for Pertussis in Latin America: Recent Findings From the Global Pertussis Initiative

  • By

  • Rolando Ulloa-Gutierrez

  • Daniela Hozbor

  • María L Avila-Aguero

  • Gabriela Echániz-Aviles

  • Angela Gentile

  • Juan Pablo Torres Torretti

  • Ulrich Heininger

  • Rudzani Muloiwa

  • Carl Heinz Wirsing von König

  • Kevin Forsyth

  • Tina Q Tan

  • May 13, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To assess the burden of and vaccination policies against pertussis in 10 Latin American countries, highlighting its public health implications.

Key Findings:
  • Pertussis is a notifiable disease in all 10 countries, but awareness and laboratory capacity are limited.
  • Vaccination coverage rates, especially in pregnancy, remain suboptimal across the region, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Infants receive a 3-dose primary series followed by ≥2 boosters, but older individuals are often underrecognized as carriers.
Interpretation:

Improving vaccination coverage, particularly in pregnant individuals and adults, is crucial to reduce pertussis burden in Latin America, necessitating immediate action.

Limitations:
  • Poor disease awareness and underrecognition in older individuals hinder epidemiological data collection, requiring targeted educational initiatives.
  • Limited laboratory capacity affects accurate diagnosis and surveillance, suggesting a need for investment in diagnostic resources.
Conclusion:

Enhancing education on pertussis transmission and vaccination strategies, along with fostering collaboration among healthcare providers and policymakers, is essential for better management of the disease in Latin America.

Original Source(s)

Country-Specific Data and Priorities for Pertussis in Latin America: Recent Findings From the Global Pertussis Initiative

  • by Rolando Ulloa-Gutierrez, Daniela Hozbor, María L Avila-Aguero, Gabriela Echániz-Aviles, Angela Gentile, Juan Pablo Torres Torretti, Ulrich Heininger, Rudzani Muloiwa, Carl Heinz Wirsing von König, Kevin Forsyth, Tina Q Tan

  • May 13, 2025

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