Health officials in England report over 2,700 whooping cough cases in 2024 with five infant fatalities.

March sees a dramatic increase with 1,300 cases, indicating a surge from the previous month's 900.

Majority of cases are in those aged 15 or older and children between 10 to 14 years.

Declining vaccination rates post-pandemic are contributing to reduced immunity across the population.

Pregnant women are strongly advised to vaccinate between 16 and 32 weeks to convey immunity to their infants.

The NHS and health officials are calling for increased vaccinations and awareness due to the highly contagious nature of whooping cough.