Whooping cough cases reach record high in UK

Saturday, 1 December 2012 00:00

Pregnant women are being urged to receive their whooping cough vaccination after a high level of cases both here and in the UK this year.

During October alone three babies in England and Wales died as a result of the serious infection.

So far 17 cases have been recorded on the Island, but its thought this will be significantly higher since the disease is mild in adults.

The Department of Health is offering the vaccination to pregnant women, particularly between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Director of Public Health Dr Kishore says the effects on a newborn baby can be devastating:

(PLAY AUDIO ABOVE)

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