And Now…. Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Outbreak Reported In United Kingdom! What’s Next?
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 08, 2024 9 months, 2 weeks, 1 day, 3 hours, 4 minutes ago
Medical News: The United Kingdom is currently grappling with a concerning surge in whooping cough (pertussis) cases, with 553 confirmed cases in England in January alone, compared to 858 cases throughout the entirety of the previous year (2023). This unexpected rise follows a prolonged period of low case numbers attributed to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and reduced social mixing patterns. As health authorities sound the alarm, urging parents to prioritize vaccination for their children, a little-known symptom of whooping cough in the eyes has been identified, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing public health concern.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/whooping-cough-infections-rise
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Outbreak Reported In United Kingdom
It should be noted that the United Kingdom is currently facing multiple health threats spanning from rising respiratory infections including COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, Adenovirus besides also having a worrisome measles outbreak, rise in syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia infections…most of which are turning out to be drug resistant…a rise in scabies infections, rise in chicken pox cases, rise in HIV and also various Hepatitis infections, a rise in various fungal infection, a rise in Tuberculosis, etc….the country is facing a shortage of various essential drugs…all of which make the United Kingdom resemble a third world nation these days! Even other disease such as diabetes, heart issues, strokes, cancers etc are all increasing in the United Kingdom!
Thailand
Medical News had already covered on some of these rising diseases in the United Kingdom in the past:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/scabies-outbreak-in-the-united-kingdom-reminiscence-of-a-third-world-country-drug-shortages,-reinfections-and-mental-health-challenges
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/measles-news-united-kingdom-declares-measles-outbreak-a-national-incident-as-an-impending-health-crisis-looms
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/medical-news-portugal-based-data-consultancy-publishes-report-warning-about-rising-incidences-of-malignant-neoplasms-in-united-kingdom-s-young-adults
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/tuberculosis-
tb-news-what-s-happening-in-london-health-authorities-sound-alarm-as-tb-cases-reach-a-six-year-high
Understanding Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the lungs and airways, characterized by bouts of intense coughing lasting for two to three months or more. The infection is spread through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals. Initial symptoms mimic those of a common cold, including a runny nose, sore throat, and raised temperature. After about a week, the distinctive "intense coughing" begins, often occurring during the night and accompanied by the expulsion of thick mucus, occasionally leading to vomiting.
Unveiling the Overlooked Symptom
In addition to the well-known symptoms, there exists a less recognized but critical sign associated with whooping cough: ocular manifestations. The NHS warns that the strain of coughing can cause the face to become markedly red, and there may be instances of slight bleeding under the skin or in the eyes. This eye-related symptom provides an additional diagnostic tool for identifying the illness, serving as a crucial element for both healthcare professionals and concerned parents.
Impact on Different Age Groups
While the characteristic "whooping" sound may occur between coughing fits, not everyone will experience this aspect of the illness. Young children may briefly turn blue (cyanosis) if they face difficulty breathing, a phenomenon that, although appearing alarming, is often less severe than it looks, with quick recovery expected. In infants, the cough might be less noticeable, but brief periods of breathing cessation may occur. With time, the severity and frequency of coughing bouts diminish, but complete recovery may take several months.
Public Health Response
In response to the escalating whooping cough cases, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued urgent warnings and implemented measures. Pregnant women are strongly advised to get vaccinated to protect their infants from birth, as the disease poses a particular risk to very young children. Furthermore, parents are encouraged to ensure their children are up-to-date with the whooping cough vaccination, administered at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age as part of the 6-in-1 combination vaccine, with an additional dose included in the pre-school booster vaccine.
Monthly Reporting Cycle
Given the surge in cases in 2024, the UKHSA has transitioned to a monthly reporting cycle for whooping cough infections. This change aims to provide timely information on disease rates across the country, facilitating local public health teams' ability to respond promptly to outbreaks. Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Consultant Epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency, emphasizes the effectiveness of vaccinating pregnant women in protecting infants until they can receive their own vaccines, and encourages parents to adhere to vaccination schedules.
Root Causes and Historical Context
The current resurgence in whooping cough cases prompts an exploration of its historical context and potential causes. In the 1950s, England and Wales experienced over 100,000 suspected cases annually, a number significantly reduced following the introduction of a vaccine for children. The cyclical nature of whooping cough cases, including the last peak in 2016, suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing its prevalence. The UKHSA attributes the recent increase to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing reduced immunity due to lockdown measures and disruptions to medical services leading to a decline in vaccination rates.
Conclusion
As the United Kingdom grapples with a sudden resurgence of whooping cough cases, a comprehensive response is essential to mitigate its impact. The public is urged to remain vigilant, prioritize vaccination, and be aware of the lesser-known ocular symptoms. Health authorities continue to monitor and adapt strategies, emphasizing the critical role of timely vaccinations, especially for pregnant women and young children. In navigating this outbreak, a combination of public awareness, medical intervention, and adherence to preventive measures will be key to containing the spread of whooping cough across the nation.
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