Health officials have issued a plea to parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against whooping cough, as cases of the highly contagious disease continue to rise. Experts attribute the resurgence of the "100-day cough" to a decline in vaccine uptake and a lack of immunity due to pandemic-related social distancing measures.

In January alone, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) received 553 lab-confirmed reports of whooping cough cases in England, a staggering 61-fold increase compared to the same month in 2023. This alarming trend comes in the wake of reports earlier this year revealing that whooping cough cases were at a decade high, with a total of 858 cases recorded in 2023.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, initially presents symptoms similar to a common cold, including a runny nose and sore throat. However, after about a week, individuals may experience severe coughing fits lasting minutes, difficulty breathing, and a distinctive "whoop" sound between coughs. Other symptoms include the expulsion of thick mucus, which can lead to vomiting, and facial redness.

The UKHSA's surveillance shows that, of the 553 cases reported in January, over half (287) were among individuals aged 15 years or older, while around 29.1% (161) were in children aged 10 to 14. Notably, even infants under three months, too young to be fully vaccinated, accounted for 22 cases.

Whooping cough can be a serious illness, especially for young infants, with potential complications such as dehydration, breathing difficulties, and pneumonia. In severe cases, it can be fatal, with up to 3% of newborns succumbing to the infection. Older children and adults may experience less severe symptoms, but can still suffer from sore ribs, hernias, ear infections, and urinary incontinence.

To protect against whooping cough, health officials emphasize the importance of timely vaccinations. The 6-in-1 vaccine is administered to babies at eight, 12, and 16 weeks, while the 4-in-1 pre-school booster is given to children aged three years and four months. Pregnant women are also encouraged to receive the vaccine to safeguard their babies during the first few weeks of life.

Unfortunately, vaccination rates have dwindled in recent years. In 2023, the uptake of the 6-in-1 vaccine reached an all-time low of 92.6%, while the 4-in-1 jab was administered to only 83.3% of eligible individuals. Similarly, the whooping cough jab for pregnant women saw a decline, with just 61.5% receiving it in 2022, the lowest in seven years.

Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA's consultant epidemiologist, emphasizes that vaccinating pregnant women significantly protects infants until they can receive their own vaccinations. Furthermore, parents are urged to ensure their children receive the recommended vaccinations or catch up if any doses have been missed.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, underscores the importance of seeking timely protection against whooping cough. Individuals who are pregnant or have children who are not up-to-date with their vaccinations are advised to contact their GP for immediate assistance or call NHS 111 if symptoms arise.

The current surge in whooping cough cases can be attributed to several factors, including a decline in immunity due to pandemic-related social distancing measures. Pre-pandemic, between 2,500 and 4,500 suspected cases were recorded annually. However, during the COVID-19 crisis, cases decreased to approximately 500. The rebound in cases in 2023, similar to other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV, suggests a lower societal immunity.

The plea from health officials comes as a reminder of the critical role vaccines play in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to maintaining community immunity, safeguarding those who are unable to receive vaccines due to age or medical conditions.