Eight infants have tragically lost their lives to pertussis this year as cases of the infection continue to surge in England, according to health officials. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals a concerning rise in confirmed cases, with 4,793 cases reported between January and April 2024, compared to 858 cases for the entire year of 2023.
Initially, the UKHSA had reported five infant deaths due to pertussis, but the most recent data now confirm that the number has increased to eight. The spike in cases has been observed across all age groups and regions in England.
One of the major concerns highlighted by the UKHSA is the decline in vaccination rates among pregnant women. Maternal vaccination rates have dropped from 74.7% in December 2017 to 59.5% in December 2023. Since the introduction of maternal pertussis vaccination in 2013, there have been a total of 29 infant deaths with confirmed infection, out of which 23 had mothers who were not vaccinated.
Pertussis, known for its cyclical nature, typically experiences peaks in outbreaks every three to five years. The last significant peak in England was in 2012. The low levels of pertussis cases observed since April 2020 were attributed to social distancing and infection control measures implemented during the pandemic. However, a rise in cases was noted from September 2023 onwards.
During the 2012 outbreak, there were 101 cases of pertussis in infants under 3 months old between January and April. This year, the same period has seen 181 cases reported.
Dr. Sahrif Ismail, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, expressed particular concern over the decline in maternal vaccination rates as it is a crucial method of safeguarding the youngest children who are not yet vaccinated through the routine schedule. Pregnant women are advised to receive the vaccine between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
The UKHSA is currently revising guidance on the public health management of pertussis, with an expected publication of the updated recommendations soon. The existing guidance outlines suggestions for prophylaxis for high-risk individuals who have had close contact with a pertussis case.
Furthermore, NHS England has informed practices that the vaccine administered for the pertussis vaccination in pregnancy program will be changed from 1 July. The vaccine ADACEL will replace the current jab Boostrix.
