Five babies have died with whooping cough this year, UK health officials say

Five babies in England have died after being diagnosed with whooping cough, health officials have said amid a rapid rise in cases.

More than 2,700 whooping cough cases have been reported across England so far this year - more than three times the amount recorded in the whole of last year.

New UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show there were 2,793 cases reported to the end of March.

This is compared with the 858 cases for the whole of 2023.

The UKHSA said there have been five infant deaths between January and the end of March.

"Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but for very young babies it can be extremely serious," said UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with those families who have so tragically lost their baby."

There were 1,319 cases reported in March alone, according to the provisional data.

The bacterial infection, also known as pertussis, affects the lungs and breathing tubes.

Whooping cough can be called the "100-day cough" because of how long it can take to recover from it, and it spreads very easily.

NHS National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: "With cases of whooping cough continuing to rise sharply across the country, and today's figures sadly showing five infant deaths, it is vital that families come forward to get the protection they need.

If you are pregnant and have not been vaccinated yet, or your child is not up-to-date with whooping cough or other routine vaccinations, please contact your GP as soon as possible, and if you or your child show symptoms ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111."

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