19 Jul 2024 | 12:31 PM UTC
UK: Elevated pertussis activity reported across Scotland in July
Elevated pertussis activity reported across Scotland, UK, in July. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated pertussis activity across Scotland, with 5,270 confirmed cases reported Jan. 1-July 15. This is compared to the 73 confirmed cases for 2023. Scotland's last significant pertussis outbreak occurred in 2012 and 2013, with 1,896 and 1,188 confirmed cases reported, respectively. Health officials are urging pregnant women between weeks 16 and 32 of their pregnancy to ensure they are vaccinated against the disease. Parents should also ensure their children are vaccinated against the disease. This report represents the most complete data available as of July 19.
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 in 2023, within the 92-94 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. Health officials have reported roughly 942 confirmed pertussis cases nationwide in the UK in 2023, 79 cases in 2022, 54 cases in 2021, and 1,226 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.
