A jump in whooping  cough cases is sparking fears of a national outbreak
	A jump in whooping  cough cases is sparking fears of a national outbreak
    
	
    
	
	11 October 2024 
		
		
        
	
Cases more than doubled from August to September - reaching 187.
It's highly contagious - and causes intense coughing and trouble breathing.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation medical director Dr Bob Hancox says young babies and people with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk.
He says vaccination is the only way to protect against its spread.
He says our vaccination rates aren't as high as they need to be, and there are a lot of vulnerable people.
	
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