Wiesbaden reports rise in pertussis cases among children

The health office in Wiesbaden, Germany, has recorded a clear increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases over recent weeks. The surge primarily affects children up to nine years old, though most infections have been mild so far. Wiesbaden is the only municipality in the state of Hesse showing a noticeable rise in reported cases.

Authorities advise residents to verify vaccination status and to seek medical attention for persistent coughs. The exact cause of the current increase is still under investigation; pertussis typically appears in waves every four to six years, and heightened awareness may lead to more testing and detection of mild or asymptomatic infections.