The potentially fatal infection of the lungs and breathing tubes has seen over 10,000 cases in the UK since last year. Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters A potentially deadly Victorian disease is on the rise in the UK, prompting health officials to issue a stark warning to parents about their children's vaccine records. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded the alarm over whooping cough cases, which have climbed to over 10,000 in England since 2023.
Ten infants have tragically died from whooping cough in the UK since the start of the outbreak in November, with the latest fatality occurring in June. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes which can spread very easily. Those most at threat are babies and young children as well as pregnant women, meaning it's important for all high risk individuals to be vaccinated against it.
Authorities have warned that figures are on the rise again due to a low vaccine take up. Here's everything you need to know about tell tale symptoms of whooping cough and how to treat it - and what to do if you suspect you or someone you love is infected. According to the NHS , the first symptoms of whooping cough are fairly similar to that of a common cold, including a runny nose and sore throa.