Cases of whooping cough - also known as the '100-day cough' - have surged by nearly 40 per cent in the space of a week, new health figures reveal.
The latest data shows a rise from 595 to 824 confirmed cases of the illness in England and Wales in the week leading to April 14.
According to information from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the south east and south west currently has the highest infection rates.
Predominantly affecting infants and young children, the illness is identifiable by a distinctive whooping sound during coughing fits.