The number of whooping cough cases has increased by almost 2,600 in one month as the outbreak grows and parents are terrified.
Health authorities say Covid-19 lockdowns have fuelled an unprecedented whooping cough epidemic in England, dubbed the ‘100-day cough’ because it is so hard to wipe out.
In 2024, more than 7,500 cases have already been registered, almost nine times as many as in the whole of 2023.
Nine babies have died since November. All were under three months old.
Vaccination rates have also fallen as a result of the pandemic. According to experts, this decline is due to increasing skepticism about vaccines.
Cases of whooping cough have risen by almost 2,600 in a month amid an outbreak that has terrified parents. Health leaders say Covid lockdowns have fuelled England’s unprecedented epidemic of whooping cough, nicknamed the ‘100-day cough’ because it is notoriously hard to shake
More than 7,500 cases have been recorded in 2024 — nearly nine times as many as in all of 2023. Nine babies have died since November. All were under 3 months old.
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
Surveillance statistics show that 2,591 cases were confirmed in May, almost 500 more than the 2,106 in April.
By comparison, 555 cases were recorded in January, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKSA).
While Covid vaccines have been proven to save millions of lives, they have also been linked to potentially serious complications.
There are also fears that mandates during the pandemic have eroded confidence in vaccines. Britons were effectively banned from travelling abroad unless they had had a double dose of the vaccine. Healthcare workers also lost their jobs unless they were fully vaccinated.
Officials are desperately trying to boost vaccination rates and are begging expectant mothers to get vaccinated. Whooping cough is as contagious as measles.
It protects babies in the first few months of life, when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines.
But only a quarter of pregnant women in parts of London have had the whooping cough jab, which is given between the 16th and 32nd week of pregnancy.
In other parts of the capital and in Birmingham, rates are below half.
Until the pregnancy vaccination was introduced in England in 2012, dozens of babies died every year.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: ‘Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young babies get their vaccinations on time.
‘Pregnant women are offered a vaccination against whooping cough during each pregnancy, ideally between the 20th and 32nd week.
‘This passes protection on to the baby in the womb so that it is protected from birth in the first months of its life, when it is most vulnerable and before it can receive its own vaccines.
She added: ‘If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccination, speak to your midwife, GP or trusted healthcare provider.
‘With cases continuing to rise and nine babies sadly dying since the outbreak began in November last year, it is more important than ever to ensure women are vaccinated appropriately during pregnancy.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families who lost their baby in such a tragic way.”
Kate Brintworth, head of midwifery for England, also said: ‘The increase in whooping cough cases over the past six months, including several infant deaths, is really worrying and I would urge pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect their babies in the first few weeks of life.
‘Women can get the vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, through their GP or through antenatal services. Parents should also make sure their children are protected in the first few months after birth through the routine NHS vaccination offer.’
Whooping cough is initially difficult to distinguish from a cold. The first signs are usually a runny nose and sore throat.
About a week later, patients may experience coughing fits that last several minutes. They may also have difficulty breathing after coughing and make a “whoop” sound between coughing fits.
Other symptoms of whooping cough include producing thick mucus, which may lead to vomiting, and redness of the face.
Whooping cough is a cyclical disease that typically peaks every five years, with the last time being in 2016 when nearly 6,000 cases were confirmed.
Before the pandemic, between 2,500 and 4,500 suspected cases were registered annually. During the corona crisis, this dropped to around 500.
Lockdowns suppressed the spread of pathogens because people gathered less often.
UKHSA bosses said the impact of the Covid pandemic also meant there was reduced immunity in the population. Similar rebounds were seen for flu and RSV.