After three decades almost, once again there has been noticed an infectious outbreak of whooping cough in Scotland. During the same period last year, when only 36 cases were reported, this year, till now 873 cases have come into notice.

This outbreak is prevailing in the area since the end of last year and till then, around five babies have been reported died in some or the other parts of UK because of it.

Considering this, the Health Protection Scotland (HPS) is continuously urging parents to get infants and young babies vaccinated against the illness. Several information programs and events are being carried out so that more and more people could be informed about it.

However, whooping cough can affect an individual of any age group but then the young generation is on a much higher risk of contracting it. In fact, whooping cough is generally found most serious in young babies only.

Whooping cough brings such rigorous fits in babies that it actually tends to cut off the supply of oxygen to their brain, and further results into some deadly consequences. Well, so far no such fatal case has been reported in Scotland this year.

As told by Dr. Martin Donaghy, health director of HPS, this disease generally comes with a three-year cycle and therefore it was expected this year.