Pregnant women told to get vaccinated amid spike in suspected whooping cough cases

Pregnant women have been urged to get vaccinated following a spike in suspected whooping cough cases in England and Wales.

Official figures show doctors reported some 716 suspected cases between July and November - up from 217 in the previous period last year.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that spreads easily and infected tens of thousands of people before vaccines were introduced.

It is easily preventable, experts say, but can sometimes cause serious problems for babies and children.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said the rise in suspected cases of whooping cough was “expected” due to low immunity as a result of the Covid pandemic.

Despite vaccinations being available in the UK the infection hasn’t gone away “completely” but immunisation can provide “life-long protection”.

“Social distancing and lockdown measures imposed across the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the spread of infections, including whooping cough,” Dr Amirthalingam added.

“As expected, we are now seeing cases of whooping cough increase again so it’s vital pregnant women ensure they get vaccinated to protect their baby.”

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Source: The Independent, 7 December 2023