Warning issued to parents over highly-contagious '100-day cough'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A warning has been issued about a highly contagious infection known as 'the 100 day cough' which is said to be currently spreading across the country.

Whooping Cough, also known as pertussis and the 100-day cough due to its long-lasting symptoms, usually starts with cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe coughing fits lasting up to three months.

There has been a 250 per cent increase in cases over the past five months when 716 cases have been reported to health authorities.

There have also been three times as many cases reported this year compared to last, the Mirror reports. Vaccination against it is crucial for babies and children. READ MORE: Chanel president explains how one visit to Manchester inspired a multi-million pound fashion spectacle READ MORE: Met Office speaks out as Mancunians baffled by mysterious purple glow illuminating the sky Prof Helen Bedford, an expert in child public health at University College London, said: "As expected, we are now seeing cases of whooping cough increase again, so it's vital pregnant women ensure they get vaccinated to protect their baby. "Whooping cough in young babies can be very serious and vaccinating their mothers in pregnancy is the only way of ensuring they are protected in the first few months." The bacterial infection affects the lungs and throat, and spreads easily and can sometimes cause serious problems.