Three more babies have died from whooping cough this year, according to the UK Health Safety Agency, as cases continue to rise across the country.
Since January, there have been 4,793 confirmed cases of whooping cough, with 181 babies under three months diagnosed with the disease. A total of eight babies have died from whooping cough this year.
Pregnant women are now being urged to get the whooping cough vaccine so that their babies are protected before they are old enough to get the vaccine themselves.
Babies can be first vaccinated against the disease at eight weeks old, while pregnant women are advised to get the vaccine at 16 and 32 weeks.
Experts have said the actual number of cases is likely to be higher because mild cases can be misdiagnosed with other respiratory diseases in the early stages, when the infection can be tested.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families who have so tragically lost their babies.
“With whooping cough cases continuing to rise across the country and sadly further infant deaths in April, we are once again reminded how serious the disease can be for very young babies.
“Pregnant women should receive a whooping cough vaccine with each pregnancy, normally around the time of their mid-pregnancy scan (usually 20 weeks). This passes the protection to their baby in the womb, so they are protected from birth in the early months of life, when they are most vulnerable, and before they can receive their own vaccines.
“The vaccine is crucial for pregnant women to protect their babies from what can be a devastating disease.”
Whooping cough, also known as whooping cough, is caused by a bacteria transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or by sharing the same breathing space as an infected person. Early indications include mild, cold-like symptoms, low fever, and occasional coughing. These usually last one to two weeks, after which the coughing fits begin.
It is also described as a ‘cyclical’ disease, meaning the number of cases peaks every few years. Experts have also said that immunity against the disease has reduced among the general public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Professor Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, said: “With the number of whooping cough cases continuing to rise sharply across the country, and today’s figures from UKHSA sadly showing even more child deaths, it is vital that families Come forward to get the protection they need.
“NHS teams are working hard to ensure that local vaccination services are easily accessible to everyone through GP surgeries and some maternity services, and we are urging all pregnant women to get vaccinated to support their babies in the first few weeks of life. help protect lives – parents should also ensure their children are protected in the first few months after birth as part of the routine NHS vaccine offer.”