The President of the Iranian Pediatric Infectious Diseases Association emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of pertussis, stating that routine vaccination and the use of newly available vaccines remain the most effective measures for preventing this highly contagious bacterial disease.
According to the Public Relations Office of the Iranian Pediatric Association, citing Salamat News Agency, a webinar entitled “Pertussis and Novel Prevention Strategies” will be held on July 19, 2026 (28 Tir 1405) with the participation of Dr. Mohammadreza Boloursaz, President of the Iranian Pediatric Infectious Diseases Association and Board Member of the Iranian Pediatric Association. The event is jointly organized by the Iranian Pediatric Infectious Diseases Association, the Iranian Pediatric Association, and Sanofi.
During the webinar, Dr. Boloursaz will discuss various aspects of pertussis, including its history, clinical manifestations, prevention strategies, and treatment.
Referring to the history of the disease, he explained that pertussis is a relatively common infectious disease that was first described in France in 1414. The first documented epidemic occurred in Paris in 1578. The pertussis vaccine was introduced in 1952, and its protective efficacy was reported the following year.
According to Dr. Boloursaz, the disease usually begins with mild symptoms such as a mild cough, low-grade fever, runny nose, headache, loss of appetite, and upper respiratory tract infection (URI)-like symptoms. This initial stage is known as the catarrhal stage.
He further explained that the second stage, known as the paroxysmal stage, is characterized by progressively worsening coughing fits, which may eventually lead to respiratory distress, the characteristic inspiratory “whoop,” cyanosis, and vomiting.
Dr. Boloursaz added that the third stage is the convalescent stage, which may last for several months. During this period, mild coughing may persist while the characteristic “whooping” gradually subsides.
Emphasizing that pertussis is a bacterial disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, he noted that it is highly contagious and can affect individuals of all ages, including newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and adults. However, the disease tends to be more severe in children younger than 10 years of age.
Discussing the clinical presentation in newborns and young infants, Dr. Boloursaz explained that the disease may manifest with severe coughing, nasal and oral congestion, bradycardia, apnea, seizures, and, in some cases, death.
He stated that the diagnosis of pertussis is based on clinical evaluation by a physician and can be confirmed through laboratory methods, including nasopharyngeal specimen collection for identification of Bordetella pertussis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Dr. Boloursaz emphasized that treatment should begin immediately after the diagnosis is established. He concluded by reiterating that the most effective strategy for preventing pertussis is adherence to the national routine immunization program and the use of the newer pertussis vaccines that are currently available in the country.
