WIREDGOV

The number of confirmed cases of pertussis in England and Wales reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) continues to rise, with 1,781 cases reported to the end of May 2012, compared to a total of 1,118 cases across the whole of 2011.

The increase, which is continuing from the second half of 2011, has been reported across all regions in England with some areas reporting clusters in schools and healthcare settings.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, affects all ages; however the ongoing increase in cases this year has extended to very young babies who have the highest risk of severe complications and death. In infants under three months, 138 cases were reported to the end of May 2012, including five deaths. There were 7 deaths in infants under three months in the last recorded ‘peak’ year in 2008.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the HPA said: “The HPA is very concerned about the ongoing increase in cases and we are working closely with the Department of Health and NHS colleagues to monitor the situation and make recommendations to control the spread of infection. In addition, we are working closely with health professionals and the public to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms.

Whooping cough can be a very serious illness, especially in the very young. In older people it can be unpleasant but does not usually lead to serious complications. Anyone showing signs and symptoms, which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic “whoop” sound in young children, but as a prolonged cough in older children and adults, should visit their GP.

“The infection can be treated with a course of antibiotics to prevent the infection spreading further but young infants may need hospital care due the risk of severe complications.”

Whooping cough is a cyclical disease and usually increases are seen every three to four years as the disease peaks in cycles, with 2008 being the last peak year. In 2011, numbers of confirmed cases were high in age groups under 15 years, but this was in line with the anticipated cyclical increases.

So far in 2012, the number of confirmed cases in people over the age of 15 has exceeded expected levels with 1,324 cases to the end of May 2012, compared to 157 cases to the end of May 2008 – the last peak year.

Dr Ramsay added: “Whooping cough can spread easily to close contacts such as household members. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect people from this infection and uptake of the vaccine in the UK is very good.

“Parents should ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations so that they are protected at the earliest opportunity. The pre-school booster is also important, not only to boost protection in that child but also to reduce the risk of them passing the infection on to vulnerable babies, as those under four months cannot be fully protected by the vaccine.
“The HPA has written to GPs to remind them of the signs and symptoms of this infection and stress the importance of vaccination. The agency is also encouraging GPs to report cases quickly to reduce the spread of the infection and make them aware of the HPA’s guidance for the management of whooping cough cases.”

Notes to editors:

1) The 1,781* total of laboratory confirmed whooping cough cases reported to the HPA are provisional. These provisional numbers reflect the total cases which have been tested and then confirmed as positive. In some instances, for example in an outbreak situation, the HPA may not necessarily receive a sample for testing from every suspected case and therefore the true number of confirmed cases may be higher.

2) Previous HPA press statements on whooping cough in 2012:
April: http://www.hpa.org.uk/NewsCentre/NationalPressReleases/2012PressReleases/120413Pertussis/  
January: http://www.hpa.org.uk/NewsCentre/NationalPressReleases/2012PressReleases/120104pert/

3) Provisional number of confirmed cases of pertussis in England and Wales, 2008 to 2012 by age group: January to 31 May

4) Provisional number of confirmed cases of pertussis, England and Wales, 2008 to 2012 by region: January to 31 May.

5) For more general information and data on whooping cough (pertussis) visit http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/WhoopingCough/ 

6) The Health Protection Agency’s Guidelines for the Public Health Management of Pertussis can be found on the website: http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/WhoopingCough/Guidelines/

7) NHS information on whooping cough can be found at NHS Choices: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/whooping-cough/Pages/Introduction.aspx external link

8) The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk . 
‘Like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthProtectionAgency

9) For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk. Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400.