Families warned on whooping cough surge

Friday January 6th, 2012

Britain is facing a surge in cases of whooping cough, health officials warned yesterday.

Last year the number of cases more than doubled, according to the Health Protection Agency.

The HPA warned parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against the disease, pertussis.

Last year some 1,040 people contracted the infection, mainly teenagers and young adults. This compared with 420 in 2010.

The HPA said whooping cough cases peak every three to four years - but urged families to take precautions against the infection.

Dr Mary Ramsay, of the HPA, said: "The uptake of the vaccine which protects against whooping cough is very good but it is a highly infectious disease so when there is a case it can spread quickly.

"Parents should ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations so that they are protected at the earliest opportunity. The pre-school booster is also important, not only to boost protection in that child but also to help prevent them passing the infection on to vulnerable babies, as those under four months cannot be fully protected by the vaccine.

"Whooping cough can be a very unpleasant infection. Anyone showing signs and symptoms - which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic whoop sound in young children but as a prolonged cough in older children and adults - should visit their GP as soon as possible."

Tags: Child Health | UK News

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