Five babies have died in biggest whooping cough outbreak for 20 years: HPA A spokesman for the HPA said the increase may be due to better awareness among doctors who are ordering more tests and so confirming more coughs as pertussis, or whooping cough, but 'waning immunity following vaccination and/or natural infection is also likely to be an important contributory factor'. Dr Gayatri Armithalingham, Consultant Epidemiologist in the Immunisation Department at the Health Protection Agency said: "Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, affects all ages. However over the last few months the increase has extended to very young babies who have the highest risk of severe complications and death. Whooping cough can be a very unpleasant infection. Anyone showing signs and symptoms - which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic "whoop" sound in young children but as a prolonged cough in older children and adults - should visit their GP. Whooping cough can spread easily to close contacts such as household members. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect people from this infection and uptake of the vaccine is very good. Parents should ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations so that they are protected at the earliest opportunity. The pre-school booster is also important, not only to boost protection in that child but also to reduce the risk of them passing the infection on to vulnerable babies, as those under four months cannot be fully protected by the vaccine.