Latest update on whooping cough in Scotland

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published a new report today on the increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis) since the end of 2023 in Scotland. Today’s publication is the first of a new monthly report being introduced for as long as whooping cough continues to circulate at the currently observed levels.

The report shows 5,270 laboratory confirmed cases of whooping cough between 1 January and 15 July 2024. Most cases are in those aged 15 years or older, however the highest incidence rate is between those aged ten and 14 years old.

The report also confirms that tragically there has been one death this year in an infant under the age of one who developed whooping cough*.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways, with unimmunised infants more likely to develop complications which can require hospital treatment. It can be prevented with immunisation which is given to pregnant women, infants and younger children.

With whooping cough expected to continue to circulate at high levels until the autumn, PHS is encouraging pregnant women to ensure they are immunised between weeks 16 and 32 of their pregnancy.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science at PHS said:

“Immunisation is the most effective way to protect against whooping cough. It can cause severe illness and death, particularly in young unimmunised children. Babies under one year of age are most at risk.

“Getting immunised during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby in the first few vulnerable weeks of their life. All pregnant women are eligible for the whooping cough vaccine from week 16 of their pregnancy. The ideal time to get it is between weeks 16 and 32. The whooping cough vaccine is recommended every time you’re pregnant, even if you’ve had the vaccine before.

“It is also extremely important that parents ensure their babies get their whooping cough vaccine which is given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.”

Whooping cough is spread by respiratory droplets, either directly between people or through contaminated items. To find out more visit www.nhsinform.scot/whoopingcough

Pregnant women are encouraged to speak to their midwife about getting the whooping cough vaccine; and you can find more about pregnancy and baby immunisations: 

www.nhsinform.scot/pregnancyandbabyvaccines

Parents are encouraged to contact their local NHS Immunisation team to arrange for their children to get vaccinated if they have missed any doses. Contact details can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations or by calling 0800 22 44 88.

If you have any concerns about symptoms of whooping cough, speak to your GP practice or phone 111.

Read the National monthly report of confirmed pertussis cases in Scotland. The next monthly report on pertussis will be published on 22 August 2024.

The pertussis surveillance webpage continues to be updated weekly with latest provisional case figures.

*PHS is unable to provide any further information on individual cases for reasons of patient confidentiality.