By Storm Newton, PA & Rom Preston-Ellis The number of cases of whooping cough in England was higher in February than in the whole of 2023, according to new figures. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged pregnant women to ensure they get vaccinated against the illness after it emerged uptake of the jab declined between October and December last year. The bacterial infection, also known as pertussis, affects the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems. There were 913 laboratory-confirmed cases in England in February, up from 555 in Jan…