Pregnant women and children should be vaccinated to prevent a rise in whooping cough cases

Pregnant women and children should be vaccinated to prevent a rise in whooping cough cases, the Danish Health Authority says. “As whooping cough is highly contagious, it is important to pay attention to minimizing further infection. Be extra careful if you are going to visit small children. You can run the risk of infecting little ones who may not be protected by the vaccines yet,” the authorities said. Caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, whooping cough symptoms often start with a cold and slight cough before dry and severe coughing fits take place, usually lasting around 10 weeks. Whooping cough can be fatal, especially among babies.