The Commission for Infectious Diseases in North Macedonia has requested the declaration of an epidemic of pertussis in Skopje due to the increase in cases.

According to the Commission’s data released on Wednesday, a total of 18 people have been affected by pertussis, with 14 cases registered in Skopje.

The Commission’s decision must be approved by the Technical Government of North Macedonia and is seen as a “measure to prevent the spread of infection”.

Pertussis has been reported since the end of December 2023, and among the affected are two infants in serious health condition.

“Considering the latest figures, 18 confirmed cases of pertussis, and given that recently this number is increasing, especially in the territory of Skopje, where 14 cases have been confirmed, we propose recommending the declaration of an epidemic in Skopje,” said the chairman of the Commission for Infectious Diseases, Aleksandar Petlichkovski.

The Commission has requested that kindergartens and schools do not admit unvaccinated children with the DTP vaccine.

“This sounds somewhat alarming, but in reality, it should facilitate our response to the risk posed by pertussis. In that regard, we are preparing, or rather, expecting to issue guidelines prepared for the treatment of epidemic situations by the Institute of Public Health, and key activities aim to complete the vaccination process,” Petlichkovski said.

According to him, the spread of pertussis is a consequence of the population’s lack of vaccination.

The Commission for Infectious Diseases states that “the DTP vaccine protects against bacteria that cause three diseases, including pertussis or whooping cough”.

According to the annual report of the Institute of Public Health on vaccination conducted in North Macedonia in 2022, primary vaccination coverage with three doses of the DTP vaccine is only 83.9 percent nationwide.