Hundreds of children and adults have contracted the illness(Image: Getty)

'Highly contagious' and 'serious' 16th-century disease sweeping UK as cases soar

Cases have soared by 250 per cent in one year

by · BristolLive

A 'highly contagious' and 'very serious' 16th-century disease is sweeping the UK as cases soar. Experts have reported that people contracting whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has increased by 250 per cent within a year.

Data shows that between July and November, there were 716 reported cases, which is three times the number during the same period in 2022. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam from the UKHSA told The Mirror that this rise was "expected".

Social distancing and lockdown measures during the Covid-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the spread of infections, including whooping cough. "As expected, we are now seeing cases of whooping cough increase again, so it's vital pregnant women ensure they get vaccinated to protect their baby." Prof Helen Bedford, an expert in child public health at University College London, said.

READ MORE: Potato and onion hacks that could help you fight off the flu

To read more health stories by Bristol Live, click here

"Whooping cough in young babies can be very serious and vaccinating their mothers in pregnancy is the only way of ensuring they are protected in the first few months."

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems. Babies and children need to get vaccinated against it

Whooping cough symptoms

According to the NHS, babies under 6 months old with whooping cough have an increased chance of having problems such as:

Whooping cough is less severe in older children and adults but coughing may cause problems including: