Another baby has died in the growing whooping cough outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said cases continue to rise with 2,591 confirmed cases in May, taking the total this year to 7,599. The worst UK outbreak in 40 years has now claimed the lives of nine newborns as pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated to protect their children until they are old enough to get a jab themselves.
Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said: “The rise in whooping cough cases over the past six months, including several infant deaths, is of real concern and I would urge pregnant women to get vaccinated to help protect their babies in the first few weeks of their life.” The latest data shows continuing monthly increases in cases, from 555 cases in January, 920 in February, 1,427 in March and 2,106 in April. The bacterial infection, also known as pertussis, affects the lungs and breathing tubes.
Dr Mary Ramsay, immunisation director at UKHSA, said: “With cases continuing to rise and sadly nine infant deaths since the outbreak began last November, ensuring women are vaccinated appropriately in pregnancy has never been more important. Our thoughts and condolences are with those families who have so tragically lost their baby. “Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time.
Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally betwee.
