Ten infants have now died from whooping cough this year as an outbreak continues to gather pace across the UK, according to new figures.
Rates of infection are now running at five times those of last year, according to the Health Protection Agency.
The latest figures show 1,322 cases in September. Throughout 2011 there were just 1,118 cases while this year so far some 6,121 people have been infected.
The government has already announced plans to vaccinate pregnant women, against the disease, known medically as pertussis.
HPA officials urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated on time.
Dr Mary Ramsay, of the HPA, said: "All parents should ensure their children are vaccinated against whooping cough on time, even babies of women who’ve had the vaccine in pregnancy – this is to continue their baby’s protection through childhood.
"Parents should also be alert to the signs and symptoms of whooping cough – which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic whoop sound in young children but as a prolonged cough in older children or adults.
"It is also advisable to keep babies away from older siblings or adults who have the infection."
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