100-day cough cases rocket in just one week as UK regions see highest infection rates

Cases of whooping cough - also known as the '100-day cough' - have surged by nearly 40 per cent in the space of a week, new health figures reveal. The latest data shows a rise from 595 to 824 confirmed cases of the illness in England and Wales in the week leading to April 14.

According to information from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the south east and south west currently has the highest infection rates. Predominantly affecting infants and young children, the illness is identifiable by a distinctive whooping sound during coughing fits.

During the initial two months of 2024, a whopping 1,468 cases were confirmed, showing an increase of 71pc compared to the same period last year which recorded 858 cases. Those levels haven't been witnessed since 2016 when almost 6,000 cases were reported in England.

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Medical professionals continue to urge parents to ensure crucial vaccinations are administered. A vaccine is available for both babies and pregnant women, despite whooping cough being bacterial.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but for very young infants, it can be particularly serious. However, vaccinating pregnant women is highly effective in protecting babies from birth until they can receive their own vaccines," reports Bristol Live.

"Parents can also help protect their children by ensuring they receive their vaccines at the right time or catching up as soon as possible if they have missed any. If you're unsure, please check your child's red book or get in touch with your GP surgery."

The NHS has said that the initial symptoms of whooping cough can appear to be similar to common cold signs such as a runny nose and a sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon).