UK health officials have issued a warning over a significant rise in whooping cough cases, with 553 cases recorded in England in January alone, a 250% increase compared to the same period last year. High numbers have also been reported in Wales. Experts fear 2024 could be a bumper year for the bacterial infection, which saw 5,949 cases in its last peak year of 2016.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or the '100-day cough', can be particularly serious for babies and infants. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted a steady decline in vaccine uptake among pregnant women and children. In September 2023, only 92.9% of two-year-olds had completed their routine six-in-one vaccinations, which includes protection against pertussis, down from 96.3% in March 2014.
Uptake of the maternal pertussis vaccine, offered to women in every pregnancy, has also dropped from over 70% in September 2017 to about 58% in September 2023. The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, with a runny nose and sore throat, but after about a week, it can develop into severe coughing bouts that last several minutes and are typically worse at night.
Young babies may make a distinctive 'whoop' sound or have difficulty breathing after coughing. The bacteria spread through coughs and sneezes, so experts advise those diagnosed to stay home until three weeks after symptoms began or 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Steve Russell, NHS England national director for vaccinations and screening, urged families to come forward for protection, advising pregnant women and parents of unvaccinated children to contact their GP urgently.
