Scotland records 3,650 cases of whooping cough in six months 

Over 3,650 cases of whooping cough have been confirmed in Scotland since the beginning of the year.

Cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are on the rise across the UK and parts of Europe with 1,084 laboratory confirmed cases in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

As of June 10, there have been 3,656 laboratory-confirmed pertussis cases in Scotland in 2024. 

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It is spread in the droplets of the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection and can cause severe illness and death, particularly in young unimmunised children. Babies under one year old are most at risk.

NHS Western Isles are encouraging pregnant women to take the vaccine when offered and to get their newborn babies vaccinated.

Head of Midwifery, Catherine Macdonald, said: “With the increases we are seeing in Scotland of whooping cough, I would encourage all our pregnant women to have this vaccine.

“I am also encouraging our Maternity staff to have the vaccine to further protect the women and babies we care for.”.

For more information about the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy, speak to your midwife or visit www.nhsinform.scot/whoopingcough