Whooping cough outbreak in England: 9 infant deaths in six months

A combination of factors, including a decline in vaccination uptake, is believed to be contributing to the rise in the cases.

Whooping Cough Outbreak

A total of 7,599 whooping cough cases have been recorded in England from January to May 2024, according to new data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

In January 2024, there were 555 cases, followed by 920 in February, 1,427 in March, 2,106 in April, and 2,591 in May.

While the majority of cases (over 53 per cent) occurred in individuals aged 15 years or older, who typically experience milder symptoms, a significant number (262) were reported in babies under 3 months old, who are at the highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough.

Since the outbreak began in November last year, there have been nine infant deaths (one in December 2023 and eight between January and May 2024).

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs. This cyclical disease peaks every 3 to 5 years, with the last increase seen in 2016.

A combination of factors, including a decline in vaccination uptake, is believed to be contributing to the rise in whooping cough cases.

The latest UKSHA data showed a continued decline in uptake for the vaccination offered to pregnant women to protect newborns against whooping cough, with coverage in March 2024 at 58.9 per cent, down from its peak of 72.6 per cent in March 2017.

“Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at UK Health Security Agency, stressing the importance of timely vaccination during pregnancy and in childhood.

Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.

According to Dr Ramsay, pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.

“This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth in the first months of their life when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines,” Dr Ramsay said.

Timely vaccination during pregnancy has proven to provide 92 percent protection against infant death.

All babies are 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.

“With cases continuing to rise and sadly 9 infant deaths since the outbreak began last November, ensuring women are vaccinated appropriately in pregnancy has never been more important,” Dr Ramsay noted.

Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said the NHS is identifying areas at greater risk and implementing robust local vaccination programmes.

She urged pregnant women to get vaccinated to help protect their babies, citing Women can access the vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, through their GP or some antenatal services.

She has urged pregnant women to get vaccinated to help protect their babies, noting that women can access the vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, through their GP or some antenatal services.

“Parents should also ensure that their children get protected in the first few months after birth as part of the routine NHS vaccine offer,” Brintworth added.