Cases of whooping cough in Japan have hit a record high for the third week in a row.



Whooping cough is an infectious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system.



It is characterized by severe, persistent coughing and can be fatal for infants up to six months old.



The Japan Institute for Health Security says medical institutions across the country reported 1,222 cases in the week through April 13.



The figure was 500 more than the previous week and the highest since the current method of record keeping began in 2018.



The number of cases since the beginning of this year stands at 7,084, already surpassing last year's total by about 3,000.



There have been reports this year of infants dying or becoming seriously ill, and of infections involving drug-resistant bacteria.



The Japan Pediatric Society is urging parents to immediately vaccinate infants who have turned two months old.