TENTH baby death from whooping cough as infections rise to 10,000 – and health leaders renew calls for pregnant women to get vaccinated
Another baby has died from whooping cough, bringing the tragic total number of deaths from the infection in England to 10, public health officials have announced.
Latest data shows that the total number of cases this year has already reached 10,000.
Between January and June, the number of monthly cases rose from 555 to almost 2,500. Whooping cough peaked in May, with 3,052 infections.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of “very high” levels of the disease in the second quarter of this year, exceeding those seen in the last major outbreak in 2012.
Although anyone can be affected, young babies and vulnerable groups are at greatest risk of serious illness.
Between January and June, the number of monthly cases rose from 555 to almost 2,500. Whooping cough peaked in May, with 3,052 infections (stock image)
Health officials warned that the infection can be difficult to distinguish from a cold at first, as the first signs are a runny nose and sore throat. But about a week later, patients may experience coughing fits that last for minutes, have difficulty breathing after coughing and make a “whoop” sound between coughs. Other signs of whooping cough include coughing up thick mucus that can lead to vomiting and facial flushing
UKHSA is again calling on pregnant women to be vaccinated against the infection. The vaccination will protect their babies in the womb.
All babies receive three doses of the 6-in-1 shot at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age to protect against whooping cough and other serious diseases such as diphtheria and polio. A booster is given at nursery school at 3 years and 4 months of age.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of immunisation at the UK’s Health Security Agency, said: ‘Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young babies are vaccinated early.
Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccination during each pregnancy, ideally between the 20th and 32nd week.
‘This passes protection on to the baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth in the first months of their life, when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines.’
The most recent data show that coverage of whooping cough among pregnant women continues to decline. In March 2024, coverage was 58.9 percent, compared to peak coverage (72.6 percent) in March 2017.
