Rising cases of pertussis in Albania: should we review our vaccination strategies?

Since January 2024, in Albania, we have noted an increased number of visits because of Bordetella pertussis affecting all age groups. The increased numbers reflect increased circulation of Bordetella pertussis in Albania. Increasing cases of Bordetella pertussis are noticed in different European countries (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Increase of pertussis cases in the EU/EEA. 2024.), and its appearance represents a public health problem to be addressed correctly such as introducing the booster dosage of Bordetella pertussis vaccine in the preschool, teenagers and pregnancy, identifying the contacts and early beginning of post-exposure prophylaxis are very important for preventing the burden of Bordetella pertussis and its fatalities.