Five infants have died from whooping cough as cases surge in England, with 1,319 reported in March alone, nearly doubling February’s figures. Concerns arise as half of this year’s cases are among those under 15, particularly affecting babies under three months old.
Factors contributing to the rise include declining vaccine uptake and pandemic-related disruptions to healthcare access. The UK Health Security Agency emphasizes the importance of vaccination, especially for pregnant women and infants, to mitigate the severity of the disease. Health experts urge those unvaccinated to receive the jab, emphasizing its role in preventing severe outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations like young children.
