Increase in whooping cough cases in the US worries experts

The bacteria Bordetella pertussis resurfaces in the US, while experts warn about the decline in vaccine coverage.

Resurgence of whooping cough in the United States

Whooping cough cases in the United States have seen a significant increase during 2025, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With 8,485 infections reported to date, the figure doubles the records for the same period in 2024. This phenomenon has led public health specialists to anticipate a particularly challenging year in the management of this bacterial disease.

Factors behind the rebound

The resurgence of Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes whooping cough, is not unexpected for the medical community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, biosafety measures—such as the use of masks and social distancing—contributed to a temporary reduction in infections. However, experts point out that this pathology follows a cyclical pattern, with epidemic peaks every two to five years.

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However, the current situation reflects a deeper problem: the decline in vaccination rates. Official data reveal that vaccination coverage in kindergartens reached its lowest level in the last decade, while exemptions for non-medical reasons registered an all-time high. Dr. Ericka Hayes, a specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, warns: “When vaccination falls below 95%, herd immunity is lost, leaving entire populations vulnerable.”

Impact and clinical characteristics of whooping cough

The disease, also known as pertussis, usually initially manifests itself with symptoms similar to those of a common cold. However, it progresses to a persistent and severe cough, accompanied by a characteristic whistling sound during inhalation. Its transmission occurs through respiratory droplets expelled when coughing or sneezing, which facilitates its spread in community environments.

Prevention and treatment strategies

Primary treatment consists of specific antibiotics, although doctors emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing outbreaks. The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine is administered in five doses during childhood, while a booster (Tdap) is recommended for adolescents and adults.

Experts link the current outbreak not only to biological factors, but also to growing misinformation about vaccines. “Vaccine hesitancy is affecting our ability to control diseases we already had under control,” adds Dr. Hayes. This scenario highlights the need for educational campaigns that combat myths and promote scientific evidence.

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Russia attacks kyiv with missiles and drones: one dead and multiple injured

Russian attack with missiles and drones leaves one dead and eleven injured in kyiv.

Night attack in kyiv

Russia launched a missile and drone attack against kyiv during the early hours of Thursday. The bombings shook the Ukrainian capital and caused damage to residential buildings.

The head of the kyiv Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, reported that one person died and several were injured. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that at least 11 people suffered injuries.

The attack reached all 10 districts of the city, on both banks of the Dnipro River. The first warnings were issued by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials. Many residents took refuge in subway stations.

Recorded damages

Klitschko reported that five people were injured in the Shevchenkivskyi district, including a paramedic in critical condition. In Desnianskyi, a nine-story building was damaged and trapped people were rescued. In Holosiivskyi, a fire broke out on the roof of a multi-story building. House fires were also reported in the Sviatohynskyi and Darnytskyi districts.

Response from authorities

Tkachenko detailed that the attack partially destroyed a residential building in Desnianskyi, caused fires near homes in two parts of the Pecherskyi district, and another fire near an administrative building in Solomianskyi. Authorities also recorded damage in the Obolonskyi and Podilskyi districts.

In recent weeks, Russia has stepped up its attacks on kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukraine has deployed long-range drones against Russian military targets and energy facilities, creating fuel shortages and affecting supply lines within Russia. Klitschko urged residents to stay in shelters in the face of what he called a “furious enemy attack.”

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Venezuela: hospital crisis after earthquakes and thousands of people affected

The earthquakes in Venezuela left more than 1,700 dead and a health crisis that overwhelmed hospitals.

Last week’s earthquakes in Venezuela have collapsed the health system. More than 1,700 people died and thousands were injured. Hospitals operate at their limit, according to international organizations.

Hospital damage and disease risk

The WHO reports dozens of hospitals affected, several out of service. Those that work face overcrowding, lack of staff and delays in surgeries. In addition, thousands of displaced people live in makeshift shelters. The UN warns of possible outbreaks of measles, dengue, malaria and yellow fever due to overcrowding.

Figures and call for help

Venezuelan authorities count more than 15,000 affected, but the number could be higher, according to international organizations. NASA estimates that 59,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed. UNICEF estimates that 680,000 children need humanitarian assistance. While search and rescue efforts continue, national and international organizations are asking to reinforce humanitarian and medical aid. The priority is to care for the affected population, prevent the spread of diseases and strengthen the response capacity of the health system to the magnitude of the emergency.

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The ‘Flemish Revolution’ shakes Albania against Kushner’s project

Albanian environmentalists use foam flamingos to protest a tourism project linked to Jared Kushner.

The ‘flamingo revolution’ that challenges a Kushner project in Albania

Thousands of people have demonstrated in Tirana against a luxury tourism megaproject linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The mobilizations, baptized as the “flamingo revolution”, have a peculiar symbol: figures of flamingos made of foam by the activist Natma Paja, used to make visible the rejection of development.

The project includes hotels, villas, apartments and a marina on Sazan Island and Narta Lagoon, a protected area that is home to migratory birds. Civil organizations denounce a risk to biodiversity and demand the suspension of the works.

The government defends investment

Prime Minister Edi Rama has backed the project, arguing that it will boost high-end tourism, strengthen the economy and support Albania’s aspiration to join the European Union. But the opposition does not give in.

As protests continue, the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Organized Crime opened an investigation into the case, without revealing details. The European Union, for its part, monitors that the initiative complies with the environmental standards required of the candidate country.

Rama has reiterated that he will not stop the project, which he describes as a historic opportunity. The conflict keeps open the debate between economic growth, environmental protection and transparency in large investments.

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