Czech Republic struggles to contain surge of whooping cough

Whooping cough is rising throughout Europe, with the Czech Republic experiencing a similar trend.

However, a tumultuous week marked by uncertainty over official guidance and a contentious public appearance by Prague’s mayor has raised questions about the lessons learned from COVID-19.

According to Czech authorities, there were 28 reported cases of whooping cough in the first week of January. This number has now surged to 3,084 – the highest seen since 1963.

The mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, 80 – an MP and doctor, has also been suffering from whopping cough. 

At a parliamentary health committee meeting, he coughed and spluttered his way through, saying he was recovering from whooping cough, and was as on day six of an antibiotic course “so I’m no longer infectious… or at least that’s what they taught me at school”.

Most of his colleagues in the room laughed but one complained that he could have at least worn a mask. 

The country’s Green Party noted that public health regulations dictate those with whooping cough must stay at home until the end of their antibiotic treatment. 

The party has filed criminal charges against the mayor for “spreading a contagious disease.”