Key Points: Pertussis Outbreak

• At the European level, between January 1 and March 31, 2024, the ECDC recorded a significantly higher number of pertussis cases than in 2023: 32,037 cases compared to 25,130 cases in 2023.

• Following this initial European alert, Santé publique France reported last April a resurgence of pertussis in France since the beginning of 2024, following an increase in reports of clustered cases during the first quarter.

• In France, the various pertussis surveillance indicators tracked by Santé publique France confirm an established epidemic situation in the country, with very high circulation of the bacterium during the first half of 2024, which has intensified in recent weeks.

• Macrolide-resistant strains: Three resistant strains have been reported by the National Pertussis Reference Center since the beginning of the year. This is considered a moderate signal but requires close monitoring.

• The magnitude of the peak and the duration of this epidemic cycle are unpredictable. Given the disease’s high contagiousness, the epidemiological situation in France and internationally requires heightened vigilance during the Olympic Games, particularly in cases of clusters involving individuals at risk of severe illness (pregnant women, unvaccinated infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic respiratory conditions).

• Santé publique France reiterates the importance of vaccination for pregnant women, which has been recommended since April 2022 and is the best possible protection for infants.