Baby Dies of Whooping Cough: Vaccination Rates Plummet
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UK Baby Dies from Whooping Cough Amidst Declining Vaccination Rates
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A baby whose mother was not vaccinated against whooping cough has died after contracting the infection. This is the first confirmed death in the UK this year and coincides with rapidly declining vaccination rates.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious infection of the lungs. It’s notably dangerous for babies,who are at the highest risk of severe illness or death. The infection causes severe coughing fits, followed by a characteristic “whooping” sound when the baby breathes in.
The Recent Case
The child, believed to be under the age of one, became ill and died between March and June this year, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This tragic event follows the death of a child from measles at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool last month.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, the UKHSA deputy director, confirmed the child’s death, stating: “Sadly, with a further infant death in the second quarter of 2025, we are again reminded how severe whooping cough can be for very young babies. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family who have so tragically lost thier baby.”
Declining Vaccination Rates: A Growing Concern
the UKHSA warned last week that vaccination rates for primary school children are at the lowest levels in 15 years. Almost one in five children starting primary school in England this week are not fully protected from diseases including whooping cough, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria.