Whooping cough symptoms to look out for as cases soar by 250% in a year
There were 716 reported cases between July and November compared to 217 in the same period last year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The number of whooping cough cases has soared by 250 per cent in a year, according to the UK health security agency.
Between July and November, there were 716 reported cases, which is three times higher than the same period in 2022, the agency’s Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said.
Dr Amirthalingam explained the number of infections had decreased over the pandemic due to social distancing and lockdown measures, but had now risen again.
It comes as pregnant women were urged to get vaccinated following a spike in whooping cough cases in England and Wales.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough and how can you spot them?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that spreads easily. It 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.
The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat, and a slightly raised temperature, according to the NHS.
Intense coughing bouts can start about a week later. The bouts usually last a few minutes at a time and tend to be more common at night.
A person with the infection can make a “whoop” sound – a gasp for breath between coughs, although this does not affect young babies and some adults.
A whooping cough patient may also have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and young infants may turn blue or grey.
They may also cough up a a thick mucus, which can make them vomit and adults can sometimes become very red in the face.
People should ask for an urgent GP appointment or seek help from the NHS 111 service if their baby is under 6 months old and has symptoms of whooping cough.
You should also get a doctor’s appointment if you or your child have a very bad cough that is getting worse.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments