The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded the alarm following a dramatic and concerning rise in whooping cough cases, with five tragic baby deaths confirmed in the first three months of 2024.
Official data reveals a staggering increase, with 1,319 cases reported in England and Wales in March alone. This brings the total for the first quarter of the year to 2,793, a figure that starkly overshadows the 858 cases recorded throughout the entirety of 2023.
A Preventable Tragedy
Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs. It is particularly dangerous for infants under six months old, who are at the highest risk of developing severe complications, including fatal outcomes.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, delivered an emotional plea: "Our hearts go out to the families who have so tragically lost their baby. With whooping cough cases continuing to rise sharply across the country, and today's figures showing five infant deaths, it is vital that pregnant women and children get vaccinated at the right time."
The Vital Shield of Vaccination
The health body is emphasising the critical importance of two key vaccinations:
- The maternal vaccine: Offered to pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks. This is not for the mother's protection, but to pass on crucial antibodies to her unborn baby, providing them with protection from birth until they are old enough for their own jabs.
- The childhood vaccine: A triple vaccine against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus, given as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.
Vaccination rates have seen a worrying decline in recent years, leaving many young children vulnerable. NHS National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, stressed the urgency: "With cases of whooping cough continuing to rise... it is important that families come forward to get the protection they need."
Recognising the Symptoms
Initial symptoms are similar to a common cold, but after about a week, the infection can develop into:
- Intense coughing bouts that last for minutes, often worse at night.
- A characteristic 'whoop' sound as gasps for air are taken between coughs (though babies may not make this sound).
- Difficulty breathing after a coughing fit.
- Bringing up a thick mucus, which can lead to vomiting.
- Babies may turn blue or grey due to oxygen deprivation during a bad coughing spell.
Health experts advise anyone showing signs of the illness to avoid contact with pregnant women and infants and to seek urgent medical advice, particularly for the very young.
