Whooping cough: five babies died from bacterial infection since start of 2024 as cases rise in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released new data which shows that more than 2,700 whooping cough cases have been reported across the country from January to late March 2024 alone. This was almost three times the number of cases, 858, reported in the whole of 2023.

The UKHSA also said that five babies had died from the bacterial infection in since the start of the year, with consultant epidemiologist Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam saying: “Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but for very young babies it can be extremely serious. Our thoughts and condolences are with those families who have so tragically lost their baby.”

Data showed than in March alone, 1,319 cases were reported, showing that whopping cough was on the rise. Whooping cough is known as the ‘100 day cough’ due to the length of time it can take to recover and can transmit very easily.

Since the start of 2024, 104 babies under the age of three-months-old were diagnosed with whooping cough. Pregnant women are being urged to take up the offer of the whooping cough vaccine in order to pass the protection onto their child, with the protection likely to last until they are old enough to get vaccinated themselves. The NHS recommends all pregnant women are vaccinated against whooping cough between 16 and 32 weeks The UKHSA said that the uptake amongst pregnant women has dipped in recent years, as well the uptake for children. Dr Amirthalingam added: “Vaccination remains the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time.”

The bacterial infection has been described as a “cyclical disease” by health officials , meaning that it peaks every few years - with whooping cough peaking every three to five years. The last peak came in 2016, with the peak being described as “overdue” due to the Covid lockdown.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS in England, said: “With cases of whooping cough continuing to rise sharply across the country, and today’s figures sadly showing five infant deaths, it is vital that families come forward to get the protection they need. If you are pregnant and have not been vaccinated yet, or your child is not up-to-date with whooping cough or other routine vaccinations, please contact your GP as soon as possible, and if you or your child show symptoms ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.”