A further baby died from whooping cough in England in June, bringing the total to 10 since the start of the latest outbreak in November last year.
New data published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also revealed laboratory confirmed cases during the outbreak has now surpassed 10,000.
In response, UKHSA reiterated advice for pregnant women to get the pertussis vaccination to protect their babies from birth. Uptake in March this year stood at just 58.9% compared with a peak of 72.6% in March 2017.
All regions in England and many other countries have seen high levels of whooping cough cases since late last year, which UKHSA said was due to a combination factors including the disease being cyclical, peaking every 3-5 years.
- The last cyclical increase took place in 2016, with the last major outbreak in 2012. However, case data for the latest quarter April-June 2024 exceeded those in any quarter of 2012.
- Although levels appear to have peaked in May, with 3,052 cases, they continued at high levels with 2,427 cases reported in June, reaching an overall figure of 10,493 since the outbreak began.
- From January to June, most cases affected people aged 15 or older – who usually only suffer mild illness – however ‘high numbers’ (328) were in babies under three months who are most at risk.
Vaccination at the right time in pregnancy is highly effective, giving 92% protection against infant death, UKHSA said.
All babies are also given three doses of the 6-in-1 jab at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age to protect against whooping cough and other serious diseases such as diphtheria and polio, with a pre-school booster offered at 3 years 4 months.
UKHSA director of immunisation Dr Mary Ramsay said: ‘With cases continuing to rise and, sadly, 10 infant deaths since the outbreak began last November, ensuring women are vaccinated in pregnancy has never been more important. Our thoughts and condolences are with those families who have so tragically lost their baby.’
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, said: ‘The rise in whooping cough cases over the past six months, including this infant death, is tragic and I would urge pregnant women to get vaccinated to help protect their babies in the first few weeks of their life. You can speak with your GP or maternity team if you have any questions about the vaccine.
‘You can access the vaccine – which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus – through your GP or some antenatal services, and parents should also ensure that their children get protected in the first few months after birth as part of the routine NHS vaccine offer.’
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