Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs and the breathing tubes.
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UKHSA have shared that five infants have died after whooping cough symptoms
Figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that, by the end of march, 2,793 cases of whooping cough were reported. This is compared to the 858 cases for the whole of 2023.
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs and the breathing tubes. It can cause serious harms and is quite infectious. It is also called the “100-day cough” because of how long it can take to recover from it, and it spreads very easily.
The NHS emphasizes the importance of vaccinating babies and children against the infection.
“it can affect people of all ages but for very young babies it can be extremely serious” said UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam.
Pregnant women are being urged to take up the offer of the whooping cough vaccine so they can pass on protection to their babies, which should last until they are old enough to get vaccinated themselves.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “With cases of whooping cough continuing to rise sharply across the country, and today’s figures sadly showing five infant deaths, it is vital that families come forward to get the protection they need”.
If you are pregnant and have not been vaccinated yet, or your child is not up-to-date with whooping cough or other routine vaccinations, you can contact your GP for an appointment or get help from NHS 111.
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HeadlineFive babies with whooping cough have died this year amid rise of cases, according to UK health officials
Short HeadlineFive babies have died after whooping cough diagnosis
StandfirstCases of whooping cough diagnoses have more than tripled compared to last year, to over 2,700 cases.
UKHSA have shared that five infants have died after whooping cough symptoms
Figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that, by the end of march, 2,793 cases of whooping cough were reported. This is compared to the 858 cases for the whole of 2023.
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs and the breathing tubes. It can cause serious harms and is quite infectious. It is also called the “100-day cough” because of how long it can take to recover from it, and it spreads very easily.
The NHS emphasizes the importance of vaccinating babies and children against the infection.
“it can affect people of all ages but for very young babies it can be extremely serious” said UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam.
Pregnant women are being urged to take up the offer of the whooping cough vaccine so they can pass on protection to their babies, which should last until they are old enough to get vaccinated themselves.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “With cases of whooping cough continuing to rise sharply across the country, and today’s figures sadly showing five infant deaths, it is vital that families come forward to get the protection they need”.
If you are pregnant and have not been vaccinated yet, or your child is not up-to-date with whooping cough or other routine vaccinations, you can contact your GP for an appointment or get help from NHS 111.
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