Skopje, 28 May 2024 (MIA) – A total of 34 new whooping cough cases were reported from May 17 until May 23, down 22.7% compared to the previous seven-day period, which recorded 44 new cases. Of the 34 cases, three patients have been admitted to hospital, show data of the newest report of the Public Health Institute, released on Tuesday.

Most cases, 27, were recorded in Skopje, where epidemic has been declared. Four were recorded in Tetovo and one each in Prilep, Kichevo and Veles. Those who contracted the whooping cough are aged from one month to 73. Most cases are under one and from five to nine. 

“Until May 23, North Macedonia recorded a total of 631 whooping cough cases with an incidence of 34.4/100.000 residents. It is a drastic increase in the number of whooping cough cases compared to the previous five-year period from 2019 until 2023, which had registered a total of 10 cases,” said the report.

Most of those who contracted the virus live in the capital Skopje, 507 (80.3%).

According to gender, 297 are male and 334 are female.

Of those infected, 90 people (14.3%) were hospitalized, including 75 children under four. 

“Epidemics have been declared in Skopje and Kumanovo. Of the registered cases (631), 379 weren’t vaccinated, weren’t fully vaccinated according to the age or there was no proof of vaccination,” said the report, adding that close to 45,000 whooping cough vaccines were administered from January 18 until May 23. 

Photo: MIA