Pertussis cases on the rise in England

A rise in whooping cough cases has prompted a warning to parents to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said there had been 665 confirmed cases already this year, compared with 1,040 in the whole of 2011. Cases have been reported across all regions in England, with some areas reporting clusters in schools, universities and healthcare settings. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, affects people of all ages but the recent increase has seen cases in very young children, who have the highest risk of severe complications and death. The infection in older people can be unpleasant but does not usually lead to serious complications. The main symptoms are severe coughing fits which, in babies and children, are accompanied by a characteristic “whoop” sound as the child gasps for breath. The infection can be treated with antibiotics but infants may need hospital care due to the risk of...