HPA reports decline in cases of whooping cough after record numbers in 2012

HPA reports decline in cases of whooping cough after record numbers in 2012: Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA)

According to figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), there were 9,741 confirmed cases of whooping cough reported in England and Wales in 2012 - this is almost 10 times higher than the number of cases reported in previous years (1,119 in 2011 and 902 in 2008). The highest number of cases (8,059) were reported in those aged 15 and over.
 
The figures for December 2012 show a decrease in the reported number of cases of whooping cough for the second month running (832 compared with 1,168 in November 2012).  The HPA cautions however that it usually sees a reduction in cases of whooping cough at this time of year, so this is in line with normal seasonal patterns.