Whooping Cough Outbreak in Peru: 10 Children Dead, Health Officials Urge Vaccination

Whooping Cough Cases Surge in Peru: 642 Confirmed, 10 Children Dead Peru is battling a concerning rise in whooping cough cases. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) has reported 642 confirmed cases and tragically, 10 children have died from the disease in 2025. La República's recent video highlights the severity of the situation. The video explains that whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The early symptoms mimic a common cold, but after about 10 days, a persistent, intense cough develops, often culminating in a characteristic 'whooping' sound during inhalation. Dr. Carlos Hirona, a pediatrician at Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, warns of the high risk to infants under one year old, who can develop serious complications like pneumonia and encephalopathy. "The early symptoms can be misleading," explains Dr. Hirona, "making early diagnosis crucial." The video emphasizes the effectiveness of the pentavalent vaccine in preventing whooping cough. MINSA has intensified vaccination campaigns in regions like Lima, Cusco, and Loreto. The vaccine is recommended for children at 2, 4, and 6 months old, with boosters at 18 months and 4 years. Pregnant women are advised to receive the vaccine between weeks 20 and 36 of their pregnancy. The video concludes with a call to action, urging viewers to share the information to help protect children from this deadly disease. The availability of the vaccine in over 8,000 health facilities across the country offers hope in combating this outbreak.