The Czech authorities reported that there were 28 registered cases of whooping cough in the first week of January. That figure now stands at 3,084 – a number not seen since 1963.

The highest rate of the illness is among 15 to 19-year-olds, who account for about one-third of the patients.

According to Czech Health Minister Vlastimil Válek, the surge is likely attributable to a mix of a resurgence in respiratory diseases as society shifts away from stringent Covid measures, and incomplete immunization among children.

Whooping cough is a highly infectious bacterial disease that affects the lungs and airways. It is caused by bacteria in an infected person’s mouth, nose and throat.