New ‘100-day cough’ warning as cases soar 40% in a week – is your area at risk?

CASES of the dreaded ‘100-day-cough’ have soared by almost 40 per cent in one week, new figures suggest.

A total of 824 Brits are believed to have fallen ill with the bacterial infection in the week leading up to April 14 – up from 595 the previous week.

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that spreads rapidly.

Symptoms tend to be similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat, plus bouts of coughing that last for a few minutes and get worse at night.

Some people make a “whoop” sound as they gasp between coughs, while others bring up thick mucus and become very red in the face.

The condition may last for several weeks or months, so it is often dubbed the “100-day cough”.

Sometimes, the coughing is so severe that sufferers can fracture ribs.

Infection rates for the disease, officially called pertussis, are high in all regions of England and Wales, but children living in the South West are most at risk, a report has shown.

The suspected cases are based on notification from doctors, who report incidences of infectious disease symptoms.

Not all are later confirmed to be whooping cough by laboratory tests.

But separate data of confirmed cases published earlier this month also revealed a worrying rise in the number of people with the disease in England and Wales.

There were 1,468 cases of the disease in January and February 2024, compared to 858 for 2023, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures.

The last peak year, back in 2016, saw 5,949 cases in England.

Experts have warned that declining population immunity due to low vaccine uptake is likely behind this outbreak.

Is your area at risk?

The Notification of Infectious Diseases report (NOIDS), which tracks suspected infectious disease cases weekly, shows where outbreaks are likely happening.

It does not specify the ages of those suspected to have the bug, though children often fare the worst.

The disease-ridden South West saw 125 suspected cases last week, followed closely by the South East with 113.

The big smoke scooted in as the third most infected area, with 104 infections.

In fourth and fifth came the East of England with 98 and the East Midlands with 93.

Doctors in Wales reported 84 cases, putting them in sixth place. Yorkshire and Humber and the North West followed with 62 and 61 cases, respectively, putting them in seventh and eighth place.

The West Midlands and the North East came at the bottom of the table, with 44 and 40 cases – making them the areas least affected by the current outbreak.

Get jabbed

Whooping cough can be extremely serious – fatal even – especially for children and babies who haven’t been vaccinated.

The condition spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems, including rib fractures, pneumonia and seizures.

The NHS notes hernia, sore ribs, middle ear infections and urinary incontinence can also arise.

The UKHSA has previously warned that an increase in cases in 2024 will occur during a steady decline in the uptake of the vaccine against whooping cough in pregnant women and children.

Parents have been urged to check that their child is protected, and the UKHSA is reminding mums-to-be to get the jab so their babies are protected at birth.

It is offered as part of the six-in-one jab when babies are eight, 12 and 16 weeks old.

The number of two-year-olds who completed their six-in-one vaccinations as of September 2023 is 92.9 per cent, compared with 96.3 per cent in March 2014.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, 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.

“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.”

How to tackle whooping cough once you have it

According to the NHS, there is usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough.

But you should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid contact with others.

Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be taken, as well as hot lemon and honey drinks and herbal medicine called pelargonium (if over the age of 12).

Pharmacists can also advise on the best cough syrups, medicines, sweets, and supplements.

You should see your GP if a cough has lasted longer than three weeks, you are losing weight for no reason, or you have a weakened immune system.

If you or your child experiences significant breathing problems, fits or signs of pneumonia, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.