Time: 2024-07-26
The North East has experienced a surge in Whooping cough cases in newborns , with health experts attributing this increase to a decrease in pregnant women receiving vaccinations . This rise in cases is concerning , especially when considering that England has seen nearly ten times more cases in the first five months of 2024 compared to the whole of 2023 . Although there have been nine deaths related to whooping cough , the encouraging news is that the fatalities did not occur in the North East region . Health authorities emphasize the importance of expecting mothers getting vaccinated against whooping cough , flu , and respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) to protect both themselves and their babies.
Statistics reveal that there were 4,610 whooping cough alerts in the four weeks leading up to June 30 , with Northumberland reporting the highest number of cases in the region at 55 . Dr. Catherine Monaghan , a consultant physician specializing in respiratory medicine , underscores the significance of vaccines in ensuring the well - being of pregnant women and their babies . She stresses that vaccines are safe and effective , dispelling common misconceptions about their potential side effects . It is crucial for expecting mothers to understand the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent needless suffering in infants who are vulnerable to infections.
One mother 's harrowing experience with whooping cough serves as a poignant reminder of the severity of the infection . Jenny , a mother from Hampshire , shared the traumatic journey of her two - week - old baby Layla , who was diagnosed with whooping cough in 2012 . Layla 's battle with the illness led to her being placed in an induced coma and receiving intensive care . Jenny 's emotional recount of Layla 's struggle underscores the urgency of vaccination for pregnant women . The emotional toll of witnessing her daughter 's fight against the infection highlights the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid similar experiences.
Jenny 's advocacy for vaccination against whooping cough is a poignant plea to other expectant mothers . Her personal ordeal with Layla 's illness serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the infection and the necessity of vaccination . With the UK witnessing a significant rise in whooping cough cases in recent months , Jenny 's message resonates with the importance of protecting infants from potentially life - threatening diseases . Her call to action urges pregnant women to prioritize their health and that of their babies by seeking vaccination and mitigating the risks associated with whooping cough.
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