Government data reveals there have been 249 suspected cases of whooping cough recorded across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough since April.  

In May, officials warned it could be a peak year for the bacterial infection and revealed it led to five infant deaths in the first quarter of 2024.  

The latest data released from the UK Heath Security Agency indicates there were 29 suspected cases across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough the week ending June 2.  

Since April, weekly cases in Cambridgeshire peaked to 38 during the weeks ending May 26 and April 14.  

The lowest figure was 18 suspected cases the week ending May 5.  

Whooping cough is also known as pertussis or "100-day cough", and the infection can be particularly serious for babies and infants. 

In May, the UK Health Security Agency advised "timely vaccination in pregnancy and infancy are both important to protect vulnerable young babies from serious disease”.  

At the time, Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Consultant Epidemiologist, said: “Vaccination remains the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time.

“Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.” 

Babies are given three doses of the six in one jab at eight, 12 and 16 weeks to protect against whooping cough and other serious diseases such as diphtheria and polio. 

A pre-school booster is also offered at three years and four months.    

The NHS website advises the first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat.  

After a week they may get coughing bouts and make a “whoop” sound when gasping for breath between coughs.  

Babies and infants with symptoms, and those with a suppressed immune system and pregnant women who suspect they have been in contact with whooping cough, should visit their GP.