Underestimated danger

Whooping cough wave rolls over Austria and Vienna

Cases of whooping cough are rising rapidly in Vienna and throughout Austria. The highly contagious disease can be life-threatening for babies. For adults, it is extremely unpleasant. A Viennese doctor explains the background and what you should do if you suspect you have the disease.

For a long time, whooping cough was not on anyone's radar and was almost considered defeated. Now the highly contagious respiratory disease is coming back with a vengeance. The health agency AGES (as of October 29) reports almost 13,500 cases for the whole of Austria and more than 1,500 for Vienna. The trend shows only one direction: upwards. Experts warned as early as the end of August. Since then, the situation has worsened.