Nine Infants Died During U.K. Whooping Cough Outbreak

New data published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows whooping cough cases continue to increase in England, reaching 7,599 at the end of May 2024.

On July 11, 2024, the UKHSA also confirmed there have been nine infant deaths since the current whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak began in November last year.

Whooping cough is a cyclical disease that peaks every 3 to 5 years. The last cyclical increase in England occurred in 2016. 

The UKHSA says timely vaccination in pregnancy and childhood is important to protect vulnerable young infants from serious disease. 

Dr. Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at the UKHSA, said in a press release, "Vaccination is the best defense against whooping cough, and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time."

The latest uptake data for the vaccination offered to pregnant women to protect newborn infants against whooping cough continues to decline, with coverage at 58.9% in March 2024 compared to the peak coverage (72.6%) in March 2017.

Evidence from England shows that vaccination at the right time in pregnancy is highly effective, giving 92% protection against infant death.