Babies could be vaccinated against whooping cough at birth as an outbreak of the disease spreads across the UK.
Already this year the number of people affected by the disease, known medically as pertussis, has reached its highest level yet this century, according to the Health Protection agency.
The numbers infected are already three times those last year, the HPA warned.
The outbreak has mainly affected teenagers and young adults but the HPA warned that infection could be devastating to new-born babies – as they are not due for vaccination until the age of four months.
So far 235 infants have been infected this year before the age of vaccination. In total some 3,523 cases have been reported – almost a third of those in July. Throughout last year just 1,118 cases were reported.
The HPA says Department of Health advisers are considering ways to tackle the outbreak, including a teenage booster shot and baby vaccination. They may also vaccinate mothers and family members of pregnant women.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, of the HPA, said she was "very concerned."
"Parents should ensure that their children are vaccinated on time so that they are protected at the earliest opportunity and be alert to the 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 or adults.
"We also advise parents to keep their babies away from older siblings or adults who have the infection.”
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