Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T100605001445.htm
Whooping cough seen in more adults than kids
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The number of adults who contract whooping cough has increased sharply over the past decade, according to a survey by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.
The survey showed that in 2010, adults have accounted for over half of whooping cough patients, the first time since the institute started keeping records.
"If you have a cough, wear a mask to prevent spreading the infection. If your symptoms persist, please see a doctor as soon as possible," an institute official said.
The institute's data is based on reports from about 3,000 pediatric medical institutions.
As of May 16, adult patients accounted for 56 percent of the total, far higher than the 2.8 percent in 2001. There were 134 patients in the week ending May 16, the second-largest figure in the past 10 years.
Whooping cough may cause death in unvaccinated infants, but adults rarely develop serious symptoms. However, adults who contract the disease may not realize it, inadvertently spreading the disease to infants, the institute warned.
(Jun. 6, 2010)
Whooping cough seen in more adults than kids
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The number of adults who contract whooping cough has increased sharply over the past decade, according to a survey by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.
The survey showed that in 2010, adults have accounted for over half of whooping cough patients, the first time since the institute started keeping records.
"If you have a cough, wear a mask to prevent spreading the infection. If your symptoms persist, please see a doctor as soon as possible," an institute official said.
The institute's data is based on reports from about 3,000 pediatric medical institutions.
As of May 16, adult patients accounted for 56 percent of the total, far higher than the 2.8 percent in 2001. There were 134 patients in the week ending May 16, the second-largest figure in the past 10 years.
Whooping cough may cause death in unvaccinated infants, but adults rarely develop serious symptoms. However, adults who contract the disease may not realize it, inadvertently spreading the disease to infants, the institute warned.
(Jun. 6, 2010)