The areas in the UK where whooping cough is most prevalent have been revealed on a map, and it’s causing concern. Cases of the highly contagious respiratory infection are surging in parts of the country, with infections rampant in Wales, London, and Yorkshire. However, the South East is the region where children are most at risk, according to a recent report. The rise in cases comes at a time when the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a doubling in the number of confirmed cases of whooping cough in England and Wales in just one month. It seems that this year could be particularly bad for this Dickensian-sounding disease, as the last peak year in 2016 saw nearly 6,000 cases in England alone.
Hotspots of Infection
Recently released data from the UK Health Security Agency, known as the Notification of Infectious Diseases (NOID) data, provides insight into suspected cases of infectious diseases in England and Wales. In the week from February 26 to March 3, doctors reported 459 suspected cases of whooping cough. The South East emerged as the hardest-hit area, with 86 suspected cases, closely followed by Wales with 71. London and Yorkshire and the Humber ranked third and fourth, reporting 65 and 64 cases respectively. The North West came in fifth with 52 suspected cases, while the East and West Midlands were sixth with 32 cases each. The East of England recorded 29 infections, followed closely by the North East with 26. The South West, on the other hand, had the fewest number of cases, with just two reported in the entire region.
The Dangers of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It can be extremely serious, even fatal, especially for children and babies who haven’t been vaccinated. The highly contagious condition spreads easily and can lead to serious complications such as rib fractures, pneumonia, and seizures. It can cause coughing bouts that last for several minutes, with the worst bouts often occurring at night. The distinctive “whoop” sound – a gasp for breath between coughs – is a telltale sign. Babies and some adults may not exhibit this symptom. After a coughing bout, individuals with whooping cough may have difficulty breathing, turn blue or grey (especially young infants), bring up thick mucus, vomit, or become very red in the face (more common in adults). The cough can persist for weeks or even months, earning it the nickname “100-day cough.”
Vaccination is Key
The rise in whooping cough cases this year coincides with a decline in vaccination rates against the disease. The UKHSA has warned that the steady decline in the uptake of the whooping cough vaccine in pregnant women and children may be contributing to the increase in cases. It is crucial for parents to ensure that their children are protected by checking their vaccination records. Pregnant women are also advised to receive the vaccine to protect their babies at birth. The whooping cough vaccine is offered as part of the six-in-one jab given to babies at eight, 12, and 16 weeks old. However, the number of two-year-olds who completed their full course of vaccinations in September 2023 was only 92.9%, compared to 96.3% in March 2014.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for infants: “Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but for very young infants, it can be particularly serious. However, vaccinating pregnant women is highly effective in protecting babies from birth until they can receive their own vaccines. Parents can also help protect their children by ensuring they receive their vaccines at the right time or catching up as soon as possible if they have missed any. If you’re unsure, please check your child’s red book or get in touch with your GP surgery.”
Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, advises individuals to contact their GP to schedule a vaccination appointment. If symptoms of whooping cough are present, such as persistent coughing, it is recommended to request an urgent GP appointment or seek help from NHS 111. Those with confirmed whooping cough should stay at home for 48 hours after starting antibiotics or three weeks after symptoms start if antibiotics have not been taken.
Don’t take any chances with whooping cough. Make sure your child is protected with the whooping cough vaccine. For more information on whooping cough or to read the full article, visit F5mag.com.