Epidemiology of pertussis in European region

The annual reported rates of pertussis in Europe are high and reach 12,2 per 100.000. The coverage for immunization against pertussis is various in the countries of the Region : high coverage in France, Netherlands, Denmark, United Kingdom i.e, lower in many other countries. Germany (ex Federal) has started again immunization since 1991. Italy is poorly vaccinated. The United Kingdom has experienced two outbreaks (1978 and 1982) and since this period coverage for pertussis immunization has raised up to more than 90 %. Conversely Sweden has stopped immunization since 1979. Russia is poorly immunized. In well immunized countries the resurgence of pertussis is observed like in USA. Young adults with pertussis, often immunized in infancy contaminate very young infants less than 6 months and not protected. In these countries the age distribution curve for pertussis is quite inverse with two peaks at extreme ages : before 6 months and after 20 years. This new pertussis epidemiology implies late boosters for immunization, which become possible with new acellular pertussis vaccines. The WHO Europe groupe for Immunization suggests pertussis as a new main target for vaccination and surveillance.