Cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have more than doubled in the United Kingdom during the past year. According to the Daily Mail, data from the country’s Health Protection Agency shows that cases of whooping cough jumped from 421 in 2010 to 1,040 in 2011. The rise was seen mainly in teenagers and adults from ages 15 to 40.
While whooping cough can cause severe symptoms in adults, it does not usually lead to any long-term illness and experts say that increases like these are commonly observed every three to four years. The HPA noted that similar numbers of whooping cough were seen in 2008, for example.
Nevertheless, health authorities reminded the public of the vaccination program put in place for young children, who are more susceptible to serious illness from whooping cough.
“The uptake of the vaccine which protects against whooping cough is very good but it is a highly infectious disease so when there is a case it can spread quickly,” warned Dr. Mary Ramsay, head of immunization at the HPA. “Parents should ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations so that they are protected at the earliest opportunity.”
Whooping cough is marked by a distinct “whoop” sound in children, followed by a gasping for air. It can lead to illness and even death in those who are very young or have compromised immune systems, the Daily Mail said.
