Cases of potentially deadly whooping cough in Tayside have increased by 2000% in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2011.
NHS Tayside have confirmed that more than 110 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to GPs, plus a further 130 suspected cases, between January and July.
Last year there were fewer than five confirmed or suspected cases of the illness which can affect people of any age but is usually seen in infants less than a year old.
In Fife the rise in cases was much less alarming. However, NHS Fife say there has been a significant increase, from an average of less than five per annum over the past three years to six confirmed and five probable cases already this year.
NHS Tayside consultant in public health medicine Dr Finn Romanes said NHS boards across the country have been reporting big increases in cases of the debilitating ailment, which can cause severe complications or even death.
”From January to July 2012 there were over 110 laboratory confirmed cases of whooping cough in Tayside compared to fewer than five during the same period of 2011,” he said. ”There were also a further 130 suspected cases compared to fewer than five at the same time last year.
”Although Tayside has extremely high immunisation rates for whooping cough, generally over 98%, the area has been affected by the increase in cases of whooping cough being seen across Scotland this year.”
Dr Romanes added: ”Cases of whooping cough tend to increase every three to four years. The increase seen this year may also be due to a higher level of awareness of the illness, resulting in a rise in testing and reporting of the infection.
”Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but infants under one year of age are at the highest risk of severe complications, hospitalisation or death.
”People are encouraged to stay up-to-date with their immunisations, to recognise the symptoms and seek medical advice and to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene, covering the mouth with a tissue when coughing and washing hands frequently when ill.”
Dr Margaret Hannah, deputy director of public health at Fife NHS said: ”Like the rest of the UK, Fife is seeing a rise in whooping cough infection this year. If you think your child might have the infection, you should seek health advice as early as possible.
”This is particularly important if you have regular contact with a young baby or pregnant women, for example in your home or through work.
”It is also important if there is someone else in your household who works with young babies or pregnant women.
”Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the spread of infection to others. The mainstay of prevention still remains vaccination and we would encourage all parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with their jags.”
Across Scotland, the number of cases of the illness continues to rise, with almost 1,100 reported to GPs since the start of the year.
Health Protection Scotland says the country is experiencing its worst outbreak since the 1980s.