Is whooping cough a threat to dentists? Surge in infections raises concern

• The number of whooping cough cases in Poland is rapidly increasing—March 2025 saw nearly 7,000 reported infections.

• The symptoms are often mistaken for the common cold, delaying proper diagnosis.

• Whooping cough poses a risk to the elderly, children, and healthcare personnel—including dentists.

• Dentists should be familiar with the symptoms and take appropriate protective measures to prevent transmission.

Whooping cough: a forgotten disease back on doctors’ radar

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Once considered rare in developed countries, it is now reemerging at an alarming rate—including in Poland. According to data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), nearly 7,000 cases were reported in March 2025 alone. This represents an increase of 2,000 compared to February, and the number of sick leaves due to pertussis rose more than thirtyfold.

Persistent cough? Symptoms that may fool a dentist

The initial symptoms of whooping cough resemble those of a common cold: a dry, irritating cough that gradually worsens. It is particularly intense at night, disturbing sleep and leading to overall fatigue. As the disease progresses, it causes characteristic coughing fits that often end in vomiting.

For dentists, such symptoms should serve as a warning—especially in a setting where close contact with patients increases the risk of transmission. If left untreated, whooping cough can lead to complications such as:

• pneumonia,

• brain damage,

• heart failure,

• intracranial bleeding.

Treatment and prevention – what should dentists know?

Although whooping cough is treatable, many patients require hospitalization, and some may need mechanical ventilation. Treatment is based on antibiotics—most commonly azithromycin or clarithromycin, with cotrimoxazole as an alternative.

As healthcare professionals, dentists should consider receiving a booster vaccine, particularly during periods of heightened transmission. They should also adopt strict infection control practices when dealing with patients showing signs of respiratory illness.

Occupational risk – dentists on the frontline of exposure

The dental office is an environment where aerosol-generating procedures increase the risk of pertussis transmission. Preventive strategies may include:

• using FFP2/FFP3 masks during peak infection seasons,

• training dental staff to recognize early signs of infectious diseases,

• implementing procedures that minimize exposure to pathogens.

Summary:

• March 2025 marked a record surge in whooping cough cases in Poland.

• The disease presents a real occupational risk to dental professionals due to the nature of their work.

• Early diagnosis and preventive measures—including vaccination—are key to reducing infection rates.

• Dentists should recognize the symptoms and implement proper infection control measures in the practice.