Whooping cough outbreak sees one week record of 1,200 new cases in Japan

The incidence of whooping cough in Japan has reached a record high for the third consecutive week, according to local authorities.

Japan Institute for Health Security said the cases of whooping cough have surged to an unprecedented level as it recorded a total of 1,222 new cases in the past week. 

This figure represents an increase of 500 cases from the previous week and is the highest number recorded since tracking started in 2018.

The Institute further indicated that there have been 7,084 reported cases so far in the current year, which is approximately 3,000 cases more than the total last year.

Whooping cough is a contagious disease caused by bacteria that affects the respiratory system, leading to severe and persistent coughing, with the potential to be life-threatening for infants under six months of age.

In light of the alarming outbreak, the Japan Pediatric Society strongly encourages parents to ensure that their infants get jabbed after they reach the age of two months.