CHARACTERISTICS OF PERTUSSIS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, 2015–2024

Abstract

Objectives. To characterize the epidemiological patterns of pertussis morbidity in the Republic of Moldova during 2015–2024.

Materials and methods. A descriptive longitudinal epidemiological study was conducted using aggregate official data from the Epidemiological Bulletin of Infectious Diseases (Statistical Form No. 2), statistical forms No. 5-san and No. 6-san, and the National Electronic Vaccination Registry. Annual morbidity, age distribution, area of residence, attendance at early childhood education institutions among reported cases aged 3–6 years, and DTP3/DTP4 vaccination coverage were analyzed descriptively.

Results. During 2015–2024, mean vaccination coverage was 88.3% for DTP3 and 87.0% for DTP4, remaining below the 95% programmatic target. Children aged 0–17 years accounted for 2,574 of 2,726 reported cases (94.42%). The highest incidence was recorded among children aged 0–2 years in 2024 (3.83 cases per 1,000 children). Incidence was higher in urban areas, particularly in the municipalities of Chișinău and Bălți. Among reported cases aged 3–6 years, 358 of 602 children (59.47%) attended early childhood education institutions.

Conclusions. The recent increase in reported pertussis morbidity occurred in the context of vaccination coverage below the programmatic target and a potentially increasing susceptible population. Strengthening timely immunization, epidemiological surveillance, early diagnosis, and public health education is essential to reduce transmission and prevent severe cases.