Urgent warning as infants die from ‘Victorian period’ illness making a comeback
A surge in whooping cough cases has claimed the lives of unvaccinated infants, as experts warn that plummeting vaccination rates are putting babies and vulnerable groups at grave risk
A worrying number of children are succumbing to a Victorian-era disease. Experts have now consequently warned that the rising number of parents who decide to not vaccinate their children is putting babies and vulnerable groups at grave risk.
Three infants have lost their lives to whooping cough in Kentucky, USA. This disease, also known as pertussis, was especially common and dangerous in the 19th century.
Nevertheless, amidst a fall in vaccinations, the contagious bacterial infection is making a comeback, claiming the lives of the most vulnerable. The recent death of the three unnamed children in Kentucky reportedly marks the state’s first pertussis-related deaths since 2018.
Moreover, the three victims were all reportedly unvaccinated. Kentucky is reportedly facing its worst outbreak of whooping cough in over ten years.
566 cases have been reported so far, which is the highest number seen since 2012, the Daily Mail reported. Kristina Bryant, professor of paediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky, told the BMJ last week: “We’re definitely seeing more cases.
“Earlier this year two babies under one year old died in Kentucky, and today a third baby died. None of the infants or the mothers had been vaccinated.” In the UK, cases of whooping cough have also significantly increased.
Over 14,000 cases in England were confirmed during 2024, which is a more than 1,600% rise from 2023, the NHS stated. According to the NHS, this increase is attributed to a cyclical peak in the disease every three to five years, a decline in population immunity following the low levels during COVID-19 restrictions, and reduced vaccination uptake in pregnant women.
The rise is a concern, particularly for infants, with 11 infant deaths reported in England between January and December 2024, GOV.UK and GOV.UK, noted. Dr Claire Lake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester said : “With cases rising, it is more important than ever that pregnant women and young infants are fully vaccinated against whooping cough.
“Vaccination remains the best defence against whooping cough. Therefore, it is vital that women are vaccinated during pregnancy, as this means your newborn baby will be protected against becoming unwell and needing hospital care because of whooping cough.
“It is also important for new parents to ensure their baby receives all their childhood vaccines on time to get the best protection against infectious diseases. Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but is particularly serious for very young babies.
“Simply by being fully vaccinated you are protecting your child against becoming seriously ill or worse, as well as helping reduce the spread of the infection to other children. If you are pregnant and haven’t been vaccinated yet, or your child is not up-to-date with whooping cough or their other vaccinations, please contact your GP practice as soon as possible to book an appointment.”
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon).
After about a week, you or your child:
- will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night
- may make a “whoop” sound – a gasp for breath between coughs (young babies and some adults may not “whoop”)
- may have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and may turn blue or grey (young infants)
- may bring up a thick mucus, which can make you vomit
- may become very red in the face (more common in adults)
The cough may last for several weeks or months. Babies under 12 months old with whooping cough have an increased chance of having problems such as:
- dehydration
- breathing difficulties
- pneumonia
- seizures (fits)
- Whooping cough is less severe in older children and adults but coughing may cause problems including:
- sore ribs
- hernia
- middle ear infections
- pee leaking out when you cough (urinary incontinence)
What is the treatment for whooping cough?
Treatment for whooping cough depends on your age and how long you’ve had the infection. Hospital treatment is usually needed if you have severe whooping cough, or your baby is under 6 months old and has whooping cough.
If whooping cough is diagnosed within two weeks of your cough starting, you’ll be given antibiotics to help stop it spreading to others. Some healthcare and nursery workers may be given antibiotics within 3 weeks of the cough starting.
Antibiotics may not reduce symptoms.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .
