21 Feb 2024 | 11:54 AM UTC
UK: Elevated pertussis activity reported in multiple areas, especially Wales, in February /update 1
Elevated pertussis activity reported in multiple areas in the UK in February. Wales is most affected. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated pertussis activity across multiple areas in the UK, with an additional 1,142 cases reported Jan. 22-Feb. 11, bring the total case count to 1,778 cases since Jan. 1. This is compared to the 80 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Wales is most affected, reporting the highest disease activity. Other areas reporting elevated disease activity includes the South East, London, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, and East of England. Health officials are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against the disease to prevent disease transmission. This report represents the most complete data available as of Feb. 21.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against pertussis or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccination coverage in the UK is estimated at 92 percent, which is within the 92-94 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. Health officials have reported roughly 1,728 pertussis cases nationwide in the UK in 2023, 560 cases in 2022, 527 cases in 2021, and 1,415 cases in 2020.
Pertussis - also known as "whooping cough" - is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days after exposure, but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms range from mild illness with low-grade fever and occasional coughing in the early stage, to vomiting, exhaustion, and severe fits of rapid coughing in the later stage. Infants and children up to 4 years old are at highest risk, and typically suffer the most severe symptoms.
