'Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise: A Family's Struggle'

Jayne Saywell and her family in Portobello, Edinburgh, have been battling whooping cough for the past two months. The infection, also known as pertussis, has been described by Jayne as relentless and exhausting. Lack of sleep due to constant coughing has been the biggest challenge for the family. The latest data from Public Health Scotland shows a significant increase in whooping cough cases this year, with over 2,800 cases reported so far. The infection is cyclical, with peaks every three to five years. The decline in vaccine uptake and low infection rates during the Covid pandemic have contributed to the recent rise in cases. Jayne's family, who were previously vaccinated, has been treated with antibiotics, but symptoms persist. The true number of cases is likely higher, as some infected individuals may not present typical symptoms. Youngest son, Peter, was particularly affected, urging people to seek medical help if experiencing persistent coughing. Dr. Sam Ghebrehewet predicts that infections will peak in the autumn.