Introduction: In France, three complementary surveillance networks involving hospitals and paediatrician practices currently allow pertussis surveillance among infants (<1 year old) and children (1-12 years old). Data on incidences among adolescents (13-17 years old) and adults (≥18 years) are scarce. In 2017, a sentinel surveillance system called Sentinelles network, was implemented among general practitioners (GPs). Aim: The purpose of Sentinelles network is to assess pertussis incidence, monitor the cases" age distribution and evaluate the impact of the country's vaccination policy. We present the results from the first 4 years of this surveillance. Methods: GPs of the French Sentinelles network reported weekly numbers of epidemiologically or laboratory-confirmed cases and their characteristics. Results: A total of 132 cases were reported over 2017-2020. Estimated national incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants were 17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 12-22) in 2017, 10?(95% CI: 6-14) in 2018, 15 (95% CI: 10-20) in 2019 and three (95% CI: 1-5) in 2020. The incidence rate was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2017-2019. Women were significantly more affected than men (83/132; 63% of women, p = 0.004); 66% (87/132) of cases were aged 15 years or over (median age: 31.5 years; range: 2 months-87 years). Among 37 vaccinated cases with data, 33 had received the recommended number of doses for their age. Conclusions: These results concur with incidences reported in other European countries, and with studies showing that the incidences of several respiratory diseases decreased in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results also suggest a shift of morbidity towards older age groups, and a rapid waning of immunity after vaccination, justifying to continue this surveillance.
Auteur : Debin Marion, Launay Titouan, Rossignol Louise, Ait El Belghiti Fatima, Brisse Sylvain, Guillot Sophie, Guiso Nicole, Levy-Bruhl Daniel, Merdrignac Lore, Toubiana Julie, Blanchon Thierry, Hanslik Thomas
Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin, 2022, vol. 27, n°. 17
