Whooping cough cases have risen by nearly 2,600 in a single month amid a spiralling outbreak that has terrified parents.
Health chiefs say Covid lockdowns have fuelled England’s unprecedented whooping cough epidemic, dubbed the “100-day cough” because it is notoriously difficult to get rid of.
More than 7,500 cases have already been recorded in 2024, almost nine times the level seen in the whole of 2023.
Nine babies have died since November, making it the deadliest outbreak in a decade. All were under three months old.
Vaccination rates have also fallen in the wake of the pandemic, a trend experts attribute to growing skepticism about vaccines.
Whooping cough cases have risen by almost 2,600 in a single month amid a spiralling outbreak that has terrified parents. Health officials say COVID lockdowns have fueled England’s unprecedented whooping cough epidemic, dubbed the “100-day cough” because it is notoriously difficult to get rid of.
More than 7,500 cases have already been recorded in 2024, almost nine times the level seen in all of 2023. Nine babies have died since November. All were under three months old.
Health officials cautioned that it is difficult to distinguish the infection from a cold at first, as the first symptoms are a runny nose and sore throat. But about a week later, patients may develop coughing fits that last for minutes, difficulty breathing after coughing and make a “whooping” sound between coughs. Other symptoms of whooping cough include coughing up thick mucus that can lead to vomiting and a flushed face.
Surveillance statistics show that 2,591 cases were confirmed in England in May, almost 500 more than the 2,106 in April.
In comparison, 555 cases were recorded in January, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKSA).
Although Covid vaccines have been shown to save millions of lives, they have been linked to potentially serious complications.
There are also fears that mandates during the pandemic have undermined confidence in vaccines.
Authorities are desperately trying to boost vaccination rates, begging expectant mothers to get vaccinated.
The cancellation of many “non-essential” services during the pandemic and the consequences of lockdowns on immunity are also believed to have played a role.
Whooping cough is as contagious as measles.
Protects babies during the first months of their lives, when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines.
But only a quarter of pregnant women have received the whooping cough vaccine (offered between 16 and 32 weeks) in some parts of London.
Fares are less than half those in other parts of the capital and in Birmingham.
Dozens of babies died each year before the pregnancy vaccine was introduced in England in 2012.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA, said: ‘Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young babies receive their vaccinations at the right time.
Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine at every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.
‘This passes protection on to your baby in the womb so that he or she is protected from birth in the first few months of his or her life, when he or she is most vulnerable and before he or she can receive his or her own vaccinations.
She added: ‘If you have any questions or concerns about vaccination, please speak to your midwife, GP or a trusted healthcare professional.
‘With cases continuing to rise and sadly nine infant deaths since the outbreak began last November, ensuring women are adequately vaccinated during pregnancy has never been more important.
‘Our thoughts and condolences are with those families who have so tragically lost their baby.’
Kate Brintworth, chief midwife for England, also said: ‘The rise in whooping cough cases over the past six months, including several infant deaths, is a real concern and I urge pregnant women to get vaccinated to help protect their babies in the first weeks of their lives.
‘Women can access the vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, through their GP or some antenatal services, and parents should also make sure their children are protected in the first few months after birth as part of the routine NHS vaccine offer.’
At first, it can be difficult to distinguish whooping cough from a cold; the first symptoms are often a runny nose and sore throat.
But about a week later, patients may develop coughing fits that last for minutes, difficulty breathing after coughing, and make a “squeaking” sound between coughs.
Other signs of whooping cough include the passage of thick mucus that may cause vomiting and a flushed face.
Whooping cough is a cyclical disease that usually peaks every five years. The last peak occurred in 2016, when almost 6,000 cases were confirmed.
Before the pandemic, there were between 2,500 and 4,500 suspected cases per year, a figure that dropped to around 500 during the coronavirus crisis.
Lockdowns slowed the spread of pathogens as people gathered less.
Surveillance statistics show that 2,591 cases were confirmed in England in May, up almost 500 from 2,106 in April. In comparison, 555 cases were recorded in January, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKSA).
Pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated to protect their babies from becoming infected in the first few weeks of life. Protection should last until they are old enough to be vaccinated.
UKHSA officials said the impact of the Covid pandemic also means there is reduced immunity in the population. Similar spikes have been seen for flu and RSV.
Whooping cough is caused by the pertussis bacteria and is spread through coughing and sneezing.
Patients are contagious from about six days after cold-like symptoms begin until three weeks after coughing begins.
Doctors prescribe antibiotics as treatment if whooping cough is detected within three weeks.
However, if a person has been infected for a long time, antibiotics will not speed up their recovery.
Whooping cough is less severe in older children and adults, but can still cause rib pain, hernias, ear infections, and urinary incontinence among these groups.