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According to the UK Health Security Agency, nine babies have died from whooping cough since November 2023, and the number of cases continues to rise.
The latest figures for England show 2,591 confirmed cases in May, while the total since January stands at 7,599.
Experts fear this is a peak year for the bacterial infection, which can be particularly harmful to young babies.
They urge pregnant women and children to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
The last peak was in 2016, when there were 5,945 cases.
Whooping cough, also known as 100-day cough and by the medical name pertussis, is a bacterial infection that can affect the lungs and cause prolonged coughing fits.
More than half of the 7,599 cases from January through May involved people aged 14 and older, who typically develop mild illness.
But 262 of those involved babies under three months, who are at highest risk of complications and death.
Why is the number of cases increasing?
Since the beginning of the year, the number of cases of whooping cough has been increasing in England and many other countries.
It is cyclical, with peaks every three to five years.
The last time was in 2016 and the largest outbreak was in 2012 with more than 9,000 cases, before the introduction of a vaccination program for pregnant women.
According to the UKHSA, the number of people developing whooping cough has fallen during the pandemic, leaving “a peak year too late” and reducing immunity in the population.
Vaccines
Vaccination rates among pregnant women also play a role: in March 2024, 58.9% of women had been vaccinated, compared to a peak of 72.6% in March 2017.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Vaccination at UKHSA, said: “It has never been more important to ensure women are vaccinated appropriately during pregnancy.
“Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccination at each pregnancy, ideally between the 20th and 32nd week.
“This passes protection on to the baby in the womb so that it is protected from birth in the first few months of its life, when it is most vulnerable and before it can receive its own vaccines.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families who lost their baby in such a tragic way.”
Women can get vaccinated through their GP or through some prenatal clinics.
All babies are also offered three doses of the six-in-one vaccine, at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age, to protect against whooping cough and other serious illnesses.
Children will then be offered a booster shot at primary school. Children who have not yet been vaccinated can still get the shot until they are 10 years old.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
The first symptoms of whooping cough can feel like a cold, with a runny nose and sore throat.
After about a week, the infection may develop into coughing fits that last several minutes and are usually worst at night.
Some young babies may also make a characteristic “whoop” sound or have difficulty breathing after a coughing fit. But this is not always the case, which can make whooping cough difficult to recognize.
People with whooping cough should stay home and not go to work, school or daycare for 48 hours after starting antibiotics. If they have not had antibiotics, they should stay home for two weeks after symptoms begin.