Health experts have issued a warning about a highly contagious disease known as the “100-day cough” that’s currently spreading across the UK.

The bacterial infection, which has seen a 250% increase in cases, starts with cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe coughing fits lasting up to three months.

The outbreak of Whooping Cough, also known as pertussis and the 100-day cough due to its long-lasting symptoms, has tripled in cases this year compared to last. Over the past five months, 716 cases have been reported to health authorities.

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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. Vaccination against it is crucial for babies and children.

The NHS explains that after about a week, you or your child might experience coughing fits that last for a few minutes, are worse at night and may make a “whoop” sound a gasp for breath between coughs. Young babies and some adults may not “whoop”.

After a coughing bout, the patient may struggle to breathe and could turn blue or grey (especially young infants), and they may bring up thick mucus, which can cause vomiting. The cough may be so hard that it causes vomiting, rib fractures, and fatigue.

Globally, in 2015, pertussis resulted in 58,700 deaths down from 138,000 deaths in 1990.

Once infected with whooping cough, it takes around seven to ten days for signs and symptoms to appear, though it can sometimes take longer. They’re usually mild at first and are very similar to the common cold. They can include nasal congestion and a cough.

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