Fresh whooping cough warning following nine baby deaths

Nine babies have died since the current outbreak, with one in December 2023 and eight between January to the end of May 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

“The rise in whooping cough cases over the past six months, including several infant deaths, is of real concern”

Kate Brintworth

New data published this week showed there were 7,599 whooping cough cases confirmed so far this year, compared to 858 in the whole of 2023.

In May alone there were 2,591 cases confirmed, compared to 555 cases in January, according to the government data.

Between January and May 2024, most cases were in those aged 15 years or older, however, high numbers continue to be reported in babies under three months.

The UKHSA warned that young babies were at the highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough.

However, evidence has shown that vaccination at the right time during pregnancy is highly effective, giving 92% protection against infant death.

Despite this evidence, the latest uptake for the vaccination continues to decline, with coverage at 59% in March 2024, compared to 73% in March 2017.

CMO for England Kate Brintworth said: “The rise in whooping cough cases over the past six months, including several infant deaths, is of real concern.”

She urged pregnant women to get vaccinated to help protect their babies in the first few weeks of life and advised them to speak with their GP or maternity team if they had any questions about the vaccine.

Ms Brintworth noted that the NHS would continue to identify areas of risk and put “robust local vaccination offers in place”.

“Women can access the vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, through their 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,” she added.

Whooping cough, clinically known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection which affects the lungs. The first signs of infection are similar to a cold, like a runny nose and sore throat.

But after a week the infection can develop into coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night. Babies may also make a distinctive ‘whoop’ or have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout.

Whooping cough cases have been rising across England since December 2023. It is a cyclical disease that peaks every three to five years and the UKHSA said a peak year was “overdue”.

Dr Mary Ramsay, director  of immunisation at the UKHSA, said: “With cases continuing to rise and sadly nine infant deaths since the outbreak began last November, ensuring women are vaccinated appropriately in pregnancy has never been more important.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with those families who have so tragically lost their baby,” she added.