Warning as whooping cough soars

Cases of whooping cough in Scotland have soared this year.

Health Protection Scotland has received 150 reports of confirmed cases this year, compared with 22 in the same period last year.

Experts say there is a cyclical nature of whooping cough, or pertussis, tending to increase every three or four years. The number of cases so far in 2012 exceeds the number reported in the last peak year in 2008.

A total of 32 cases have been confirmed around the village of Dalmally, in north Argyll.

Dr Ken Oates, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Highland, said: “The infection is affecting all age groups from young children to older adults. No-one has required hospitalisation and all are being looked after at home.

“Adults and adolescents usually have a relatively mild illness although the associated cough can persist for some weeks.

“Young children are more at risk of severe illness.”