UK parents are being warned of a potential ‘100-day cough’ outbreak, with the possibility of face masks and isolation measures making a comeback.
A severe whooping cough outbreak could see infected schoolchildren isolated for three weeks and NHS doctors are advising parents to wear masks while their children isolate at home due to the increase in cases.
The first quarter of this year saw a significant rise in the highly contagious ‘100-day cough’, with 2,793 confirmed infections.
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Parkside Family Practice in Reading, Berkshire, has asked patients to wear face masks, stating on its website: “For infection control purposes, please do wear a face mask when coming to our surgery.”
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Parkview Surgery in Uxbridge, Middlesex, echoed this sentiment, advising patients: “If you have a face to face appointment, the doctors ask that you wear a face mask to your appointment.”
Meanwhile, West Hampstead Medical Centre in London alerted patients via email about “a local upsurge in measles and whooping cough”, as reported by The Telegraph, via the Mirror.
The medical centre advised anyone showing symptoms to book a phone call appointment but be “available to attend in person within 30 minutes”.
They also asked patients to “notify the reception you have arrived but wait outside to be called in when your appointment starts”.
(Image: Getty Images)
Tory MP David Davis has slammed the advice as overly cautious, arguing that it’s “vitally important to maintain the continuity of education,” according to Birmingham Live.
He suggested a more proactive approach, stating: “The obvious response would be to put them on antibiotics and return them to school as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile, the NHS has issued a reminder about the nature of the illness: “Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems. It’s important for babies and children to get vaccinated against it.”
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