The whooping cough epidemic in Japan continues to spread. According to statistics from the Japan Institute for Health Security, 3,578 cases of whooping cough were reported nationwide in the week ending July 6, marking a record number of weekly new cases under the current statistical method for three consecutive weeks. The total number of cases this year has surpassed 40,000.
Media reports indicate that Tokyo leads in confirmed cases with 277, followed by Saitama Prefecture with 254, Gunma Prefecture with 176, and Kanagawa Prefecture with 171. Ibaraki and Hyogo Prefectures are tied for fifth, each reporting 165 cases. Chiba and Niigata Prefectures have reported 154 and 150 confirmed cases, respectively. The cumulative number of cases this year has reached 43,728, which is more than ten times that of the entire previous year.
Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, primarily spread through droplets and contact. The incubation period is generally 7 to 10 days. Initially, patients present with cold-like symptoms, followed by characteristic paroxysmal coughing. Infants who contract the disease can easily develop severe conditions and may suffer complications such as pneumonia or encephalopathy, which can be fatal.
Currently, the main preventive measure against this disease is vaccination, while treatment involves antibiotics. Experts urge families with infants or adults who frequently come into contact with young children to proactively get vaccinated.
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