Rio de Janeiro records increase in cases of whooping cough and chickenpox in 2012

Cases of whooping cough and chicken pox, common diseases among children, reported an increase in Rio de Janeiro, according to the State Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro. Cases of whooping cough in 2012 totaled 186 against 166 recorded throughout 2011. Only this year have been confirmed in the state 2857 cases of chickenpox, and 572 in August.

According to the superintendent of Epidemiological Surveillance and Environmental State Secretary of Health, Alexandre Chieppe, there is a scientific explanation for the increase of the disease at this time of year. However, climate change associated with the school term due to confinement within the classroom, may contribute to the increase in cases.

To prevent the spread of diseases, Chieppe emphasizes that care must be strengthened. It highlights the importance of parents to keep up to date vaccination booklet and pay attention to the symptoms of diseases. Whenever appear signs suggestive of these diseases, parents should seek health services because, with early treatment, we can treat both the child and break the chain of reproduction of the disease, he said.

Two vaccines are important to prevent pertussis: DTP (which immunizes against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) applied in children aged 6 years and tetravalent (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenza B HIB) for children up to 1 year age.

Other measures to prevent contamination are in care with hygiene and situations of everyday life. Always wash your hands after using the toilet, use alcohol gel and be careful when sneezing to prevent the spread of the virus, said Chieppe.

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