Experts warn about disease
Cases of whooping cough have increased significantly in recent months, with five infant deaths confirmed this year alone.
All five babies were less than three months old.
This cough, also known as whooping cough, is highly contagious and especially dangerous to babies and young children.
The “100-day cough” is caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes and may bother the patient for weeks afterwards.
In the first two months of 2024, whooping cough cases increased by 70%, with 1,468 confirmed cases.
As cases rise, experts are warning about the “100-day cough” and the symptoms to watch out for.
The five main symptoms of whooping cough are:
- Cough that lasts for several minutes and is worse at night
- Coughing makes a “whooshing” sound – wheezing sounds between coughs
- Difficulty breathing after coughing, which may cause your baby to turn blue or gray
- Vomiting thick mucus, which may lead to vomiting
- face becomes very red
These signs and symptoms can take 7 to 10 days to appear and are usually mild at first, meaning they are often mistaken for a common cold.
UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said via WalesOnline: “Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but it can be particularly serious in young babies. However, vaccinating pregnant women is essential to protecting babies from birth until they Being able to vaccinate yourself is very effective.
“Parents can also help protect their children by ensuring they have vaccinations at the right time or catch up as soon as possible if they miss a vaccine. If you are unsure, check your child’s red book or contact your GP surgery.”
The NHS advises people to see their GP if they or their children develop symptoms of whooping cough, or if the cough lasts for more than three weeks and becomes worse.
If you or your child have severe breathing difficulties, cramps or symptoms of pneumonia, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E.
Children under six months of age and people with severe symptoms are usually taken to hospital for treatment.
For more information about whooping cough, you can visit the NHS website (here).
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