Whooping cough on the rise

Cases of whooping cough in England and Wales have more than doubled in the last year, according to the Health Protection Agency.

Figures released by the HPA show that the number of cases of whooping cough has increased from 421 in 2010 to 1,040 in 2011.

Increases in whooping cough levels are seen every three to four years, and the 2011 figures are in line with the number of cases reported in the last peak year in 2008, the Agency said.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the HPA, said parents should ensure their children's vaccinations are up-to-date and be aware of the symptoms of the infectious respiratory disease.

Although whooping cough can affect all ages, the HPA reported an increase in cases in people between the ages of 15 - 40.

In the UK, children are offered the whooping cough vaccine at two, three and four months of age as part of the childhood vaccination programme. The five-in-one vaccine also protects against against diphtheria, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b - a cause of meningitis - and tetanus.

Children should receive a booster vaccination at around three years of age, before starting school, to maintain high levels of immunity to the disease.

"The uptake of the vaccine which protects against whooping cough is very good but it is a highly infectious disease so when there is a case it can spread quickly," Dr Ramsay said.

"Parents should ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations so that they are protected at the earliest opportunity.

"The pre-school booster is also important, not only to boost protection in that child but also to help prevent them passing the infection on to vulnerable babies, as those under four months cannot be fully protected by the vaccine."

Symptoms

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can be a serious illness, especially in the very young.

The main symptoms are severe coughing fits which, in babies and children, are accompanied by the characteristic “whoop” sound as the child gasps for breath after coughing.

Very young children have the highest risk of severe complications and death.

The infection can be treated with a course of antibiotics to prevent the infection spreading further, but young infants may need hospital care due to the risk of severe complications.

This article was published on Thu 5 January 2012