Whooping Cough Cases Soar in the UK
The recent surge in whooping cough cases in the UK has raised concerns among health authorities and the public. According to data from UKHSA, there were 716 suspected cases of whooping cough in England and Wales between early July and the end of November this year, compared with 217 in the same period last year and 213 in the same period of 2021. This represents a significant increase, prompting experts to emphasize the need for immediate action to address the situation.
Why it is on the Surge?
As the UK grapples with this surge, it serves as a stark reminder of the effective role vaccinations play in safeguarding public health, especially in the face of preventable diseases.
Despite the availability of a vaccine that effectively protects babies and children, UK government data reveals a concerning decline in vaccination rates. In 2022, there was an average vaccine uptake of 61.5% in England, representing a decrease of 3.9% since 2021 and 7.6% from 2020. The NHS urges parents to check vaccination records and schedule appointments for routine childhood immunizations and pregnancy vaccinations.
Symptoms and How it is Spread?
“Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways,” as explained by Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam from UKHSA.
The infection is characterized by symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and mild cough, which can progress to intense coughing spells. The coughing fits can be so severe that they can cause vomiting and exhaustion. Patients may also make a “whooping” sound as they gasp for breath between coughs, although this symptom is not present in all cases. Whooping cough spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it vital to take preventive measures to limit its transmission within the community.
The infection is colloquially referred to as the “100-day cough” due to its prolonged duration, lasting for several weeks or months.
How it can be prevented from Spreading?
To prevent the spread of whooping cough in the community, the following measures can be taken:
Vaccination
Ensuring that individuals, especially pregnant women and young children, receive the pertussis vaccine is important in preventing the spread of whooping cough. Vaccination provides immunity and reduces the risk of infection and transmission.
Prof. Helen Bedford, an expert in child public health at University College London, stressed the importance of public awareness and vaccination, stating, “It’s vital pregnant women ensure they get vaccinated to protect their baby”.
Good Respiratory Hygiene
Practising good respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, can help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets containing the bacteria that cause whooping cough.
Hand Hygiene
Regular handwashing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, can help reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria from contaminated surfaces to the respiratory system
Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment of whooping cough cases are essential to prevent further transmission within the community. Seeking medical attention and following healthcare guidelines for managing the infection can help contain its spread.
By implementing these preventive measures, communities can work together to reduce the transmission of whooping cough and protect vulnerable individuals from the infection.
The Bottom Line
In light of the concerning rise in whooping cough cases, it shows the pivotal role vaccinations play in public health. The alarming increase in suspected cases is directly correlated with a decline in vaccination rates, emphasizing the urgency for immediate action. Public awareness, timely vaccinations, good respiratory and hand hygiene, along with prompt diagnosis and treatment, are essential measures to curb the spread of whooping cough. By collectively implementing these preventive strategies, communities can mitigate the transmission of this highly contagious infection and safeguard vulnerable populations.
Reference
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- Alao, L. C. (2023b, December 6). What is whooping cough? The disease spreads across the UK. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/what-is-whooping-cough-disease-uk-b1125277.html
- Pandolfo, C. (2023, December 7). “100-day cough”: Highly contagious infection that could fracture ribs soars 250% in the UK. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/health/100-day-cough-highly-contagious-infection-could-fracture-ribs-soars-250-uk
- Davis, N. (2023, December 9). What is whooping cough and why are cases rising in England and Wales? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/09/what-is-whooping-cough-and-why-are-cases-rising-in-england-and-wales
- Bryce, A. L. (2023, December 11). Cases of “100-day cough” are rising in the UK. Here’s what you should know about whooping cough. Euronews. https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/12/08/cases-of-100-day-cough-are-rising-in-the-uk-heres-what-you-should-know-about-whooping-coug
- Hunter, P. (n.d.). Whooping cough cases increasing in the UK – what you need to know. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/whooping-cough-cases-increasing-in-the-uk-what-you-need-to-know-219518
