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The UK is facing a concerning surge in cases of the contagious ‘100-day cough,’ officially known as whooping cough or pertussis, according to a recent report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This bacterial infection targets the lungs and respiratory passages, affecting both older children and adults.
Data revealed by the UKHSA showed a sharp rise in suspected whooping cough cases from early July to late November 2023. There were 716 suspected cases in England and Wales during this period, marking a significant increase from 217 cases recorded during the same time frame in the previous year and 213 cases in 2021.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, attributed this surge partly to the impact of social distancing and lockdown measures imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions played a role in affecting the transmission of various infections, including whooping cough.
The symptoms of whooping cough, similar to a cold, typically commence with a runny nose and sore throat. However, the condition can escalate, particularly at night, causing breathing difficulties and the production of thick mucus.
The NHS has cautioned that while whooping cough usually presents as a mild illness, it can lead to severe complications, especially in babies and young children. Infants under six months face an elevated risk of developing pneumonia, breathing issues, and seizures due to the infection. In light of this, health experts have emphasized the importance of vaccination for pregnant women to safeguard their newborns. Babies are typically offered vaccination doses at eight, 12, and 16 weeks old as a preventive measure, as reported by EuroNews.
For those affected, the NHS recommends rest and increased fluid intake, while suggesting the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptom management. Severe cases may necessitate hospitalization, underscoring the potential seriousness of this ailment and the importance of prompt medical attention.
