Poland sees sharp rise in whooping cough
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
28.01.2013 10:27
Cases of whooping cough have risen by almost threefold in Poland over the last year, according to statistics provided by the National Health Institute.
Photo: Glowimages
In 2011, 1669 people were diagnosed with the illness, whereas in 2012 that figure rose to 4683.
Experts argue that this is due to a failure on behalf of many parents to have their children inoculated against the disease, in spite of the fact that the process is both mandatory and free of charge.
“Many parents do not have their children inoculated, owing to a belief in rumours that there can be complications following the vaccination,” said Dr Grazyna Cholewinska-Szymanska, a consultant concerning infectious diseases, in an interview with the Rzeczpospolita daily.
“These [rumours] are nothing more than unconfirmed myths, yet they are still present in society,” she added.
A further problem is that doctors often misdiagnose the illness.
The initial symptoms are similar to flu, but unless the patient is treated with antibiotics, a full recovery will not occur.
If the illness is not treated properly, the disease can damage brain tissue, as well as the patient's sight and hearing. It can also lead to the inflammation of lungs, kidneys and bronchial tubes, and can ultimately cause death. (nh)