La tosferina, enfermedad re-emergente en Honduras

Abstract

Whooping cough is an infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and is caused by Bordetella pertussis, which affects exclusively humans. The clinical picture is presented in different phases (catarrhal, paroxysmal and convalescence). The similarity with other pathologies and the lack of knowledge and awareness among health personnel and general population leads to late diagnosis, increasing the risk of complications. In spite of vaccine availability since the early 80’s and the high vaccine coverage, whooping cough has reemerged in Latinamerica including Honduras over the last decade, affecting different age groups and causing high burden of morbidity and mortality among cases not detected in early stage. The aim os this article is to provide the health sector updated knowledge on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and current recommendations for controlling outbreaks. We emphasize the importance of epidemiological surveillance as a tool for early detection of outbreaks