New figures show rise in whooping cough

CASES of whooping cough have soared by nearly half in just a week, grim new health figures show.

The disease, dubbed the “100-day cough”, is surging in Wales and England as 824 people have so far had the illness confirmed in the week up to April 14, a rise of 40% from the 595 reported the previous week.

The south west and south east of England currently have the highest rates of infection, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Whooping cough, officially named pertussis, predominantly affects infants and young children, and is characterised by a whooping noise during coughing.

In the first two months of 2024, a staggering 1,468 cases were confirmed – 71% more than the same number for last year (858). The last time rates of the disease were so high was 2016, when there were nearly 6,000 cases reported in England.

It comes as doctors reiterate warnings for parents to get a crucial jab. While whooping cough is a bacterial disease, a vaccine is available both for babies and for during pregnancy.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: “Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but for very young infants, it can be particularly serious. However, vaccinating pregnant women is highly effective in protecting babies from birth until they can receive their own vaccines.

“Parents can also help protect their children by ensuring they receive their vaccines at the right time or catching up as soon as possible if they have missed any. If you’re unsure, please check your child’s red book or get in touch with your GP surgery.”

According to the NHS, the first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon).

After about a week, the patient will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night, and may have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout.