Parents in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands have received warning letters from the government regarding an increase in whooping cough cases, also known as pertussis. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expressed concern over the rise in cases among children in these regions.
Symptoms of whooping cough typically include a persistent cough that lasts for several weeks, following initial cold-like symptoms. Prolonged bouts of coughing, post-coughing retching or vomiting, a ‘whoop’ sound on breathing in, and rib pain are also common.
In the letters, the UKHSA advises parents to seek medical attention from a GP immediately if their child experiences any of these symptoms. The GP may arrange testing for whooping cough and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. Antibiotics are not required if the coughing has persisted for over 21 days. Whooping cough is no longer infectious within 48 hours of starting appropriate antibiotics, but children should remain isolated at home until they have completed 48 hours of treatment.
Children who are up to date with their pertussis vaccination may still develop whooping cough, although the illness is generally milder. If vaccinated children develop symptoms, they should be taken to the GP for further advice.
Dr. Vanessa MacGregor, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East Midlands, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing whooping cough. She stated that vaccination is the most effective way to protect against the infection and that children should receive vaccinations at the recommended ages of two, three, and four months, with a preschool booster after age three. Pregnant women are also advised to get vaccinated to protect their babies.
The UKHSA urges those affected by whooping cough to stay away from nursery, school, community settings, or work for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment or three weeks after the coughing bouts started (whichever is sooner) if no treatment was started.
