Health officials in the UK have issued a warning as they anticipate a surge in cases of a highly infectious disease, with over 12,000 people already affected. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) raised concerns about the potential increase in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, as children return to school. Pertussis, also called the 100-day cough, can have symptoms that last for weeks or months and pose a serious risk, particularly for babies, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals.
According to a spokesperson from UKHSA, although monthly case numbers have decreased since May, pertussis activity remains high and may rise further as schools reopen in September. So far this year, 12,200 individuals in the UK have fallen ill with the disease, a significant increase from the 856 cases reported in the entire 2023. Alarmingly, children aged 10 to 14 accounted for a fifth of the cases, while nearly 12% of cases were among children aged five to nine. Tragically, nine children have already succumbed to the illness in 2024, with 379 babies under three months old also affected. The UKHSA emphasised the importance of vaccination during pregnancy to provide passive protection to infants before they can receive direct vaccination under the national programme.
Pertussis symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, and a persistent cough that can last for minutes and worsen at night. The severe coughing fits can lead to individuals ‘whooping’, experiencing facial redness, producing mucus, and even sustaining rib fractures. The recent upsurge in pertussis cases has been observed across all age groups and regions in England. Health officials urge vigilance and adherence to preventive measures, especially as the disease can have severe consequences for vulnerable populations.
The UK health officials’ alert serves as a crucial reminder for the public to stay vigilant, especially as the new academic year commences, and to seek medical attention if any symptoms of pertussis are observed. With the potential for further cases to emerge, timely intervention and preventive measures are key to curbing the spread of this dangerous disease.