A whooping cough outbreak has resulted in the deaths of nine infants in Britain since November 2023, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The agency reported that between November 2023 and the first five months of 2024, 7,599 individuals, including both children and adults, contracted the disease, which targets the lungs and respiratory passages and is highly contagious.
The UKHSA highlighted that young babies face the highest risk of severe complications and fatalities from whooping cough.
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The data revealed that more than half of the infected individuals are 15 years old or older, typically experiencing milder symptoms.
However, the agency noted a significant number of cases in infants under three months old, who are most vulnerable to the infection.
Health professionals are urging pregnant women and infants to receive vaccinations against whooping cough.
The UKHSA emphasized that the vaccination rate among pregnant women has dropped below 60 percent.
The agency stressed the importance of timely vaccinations during pregnancy and early childhood to protect young infants from serious illness.
