Whooping Cough Cases Spike in Southeast London Boroughs
Whooping cough, aka pertussis, is making a comeback across the UK. New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals a worrying surge, especially in southeast London.
London’s Hotspots: Lewisham Leads the Rise
The highly contagious infection causes intense coughing fits that can last for minutes. While anyone can catch it, babies under three months are most vulnerable. That’s why health officials are banging the drum on vaccinations for pregnant women and parents of little ones.
In week 19 of 2024, London reported 128 whooping cough cases. Southeast London accounted for 20 of those. Lewisham topped the chart with eight cases, followed by Bromley and Southwark with four each. Bexley and Greenwich recorded two cases apiece.
“100-Day Cough” Takes Its Toll
The nickname “100-day cough” reflects how long recovery can drag on, leaving sufferers exhausted and debilitated. March 2024 saw a total of 1,319 confirmed cases across the UK, with just over half of those in children aged 15 and under. Babies under three months remain the highest risk group.
Health Experts Urge Vaccination to Protect Infants
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Whooping cough is especially severe for young babies. Our thoughts are with families affected by this illness. Vaccination is critical for pregnant women and infants to prevent serious complications.”
The latest figures sound the alarm on the persistent threat posed by this preventable disease. Vaccination remains the best defence to protect the most vulnerable from whooping cough.
