Whooping Cough, characterised by severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months, is particularly dangerous for infants.
Published Aug 12, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 12, 2024 | 8:00 AM
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More than 10,000 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the United Kingdom, with at least 10 infants tragically losing their lives. Since December 2023, whooping cough cases have been rising sharply across England. In the first quarter of 2024 (January-March), there were 2,793 confirmed cases, with 1,319 cases reported in March alone.
Between January and June 2024, England saw 10,493 confirmed cases of whooping cough. The number of cases peaked in May at 3,052 before slightly declining to 2,427 in June. Sadly, 10 infants have died from whooping cough since the outbreak in November 2023.
Over 300 cases have been reported in infants who are less than three months old – the group at the highest risk of severe complications and death. Whooping cough is a cyclical disease that typically peaks every 3-5 years, with the last peak occurring in 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced immunity in the population, as cases of whooping cough fell to very low levels during that time.
Whooping cough, otherwise known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium ‘Bordetella pertussis.’ It is characterised by severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months. The disease is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, but it can affect people of all ages.
Whooping cough starts with cold-like symptoms but develops into severe coughing fits after about a week. The cough can last for months and is often worse at night. Infants may make a distinctive ‘whoop’ sound while coughing.
Whooping cough spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious, especially during the early stages of the illness.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. The DTaP vaccine is recommended for infants and children, while the Tdap booster vaccine is recommended for older children, adolescents, and adults, especially pregnant women to protect newborns.
Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough. Pregnant women are offered the vaccine between 20-32 weeks to pass protection to their newborn. All babies receive the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, with a booster at 3 years 4 months.
Maternal vaccination provides 92 percent protection against infants dying from whooping cough. With cases continuing to rise and infant deaths occurring, vaccination during pregnancy is crucial to protect vulnerable newborns.
Antibiotics can be used to treat whooping cough, particularly in the early stages, to reduce the severity and prevent spreading the disease to others. However, antibiotics may not significantly reduce symptoms if given later in the course of the illness.
Whooping cough can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death in severe cases.
(Edited by Neena)
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