Whooping cough surge in England: Over 10,000 cases and rising deaths

According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), over the past year (from June to June), more than 10,000 confirmed cases of whooping cough have been recorded in England. Unfortunately, ten people have died as a result of the infection. The most recent confirmed victim is an infant.

Whooping cough is once again becoming a serious health issue in England. According to the latest data published by the UK Health Security Agency, the number of confirmed cases of whooping cough has exceeded 10,000 per year from June 2023 to June 2024. The current wave of illnesses likely began in November of the previous year.

Although most cases involve individuals over the age of 15, it is particularly concerning that more than 300 cases have been reported in infants under three months old. These infants are the most vulnerable to severe complications, and even death, due to whooping cough.

The newspaper "The Guardian" has just reported the unfortunate news of the death of another newborn infected with whooping cough.

Dr. Mary Ramsay, head of immunisations at UKHSA, in an interview with "The Guardian," emphasises that vaccinations are the best defence against whooping cough. Pregnant women and young children need to receive vaccinations on time.

"Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. This passes protection to their 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 - says Ramsay, who, in light of the growing number of cases and deaths from whooping cough in England, calls for greater awareness of the necessity of vaccinations.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. In recent years, it has gained strength mainly due to a decline in vaccination rates.

Whooping cough starts with mild cold-like symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and fever. Over time, usually after 1-2 weeks, the cough becomes paroxysmal, leading to characteristic "whooping" and breathing difficulties. These violent coughing fits can last from a few weeks to several months, causing significant body weakening.

In the most severe cases, the disease can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain damage, or even death.

The coughing fits are particularly dangerous for infants, as they can result in apnoea.