August 22, 2024
Queensland Health has warned that the State is experiencing a surge in whooping cough cases, posing a risk to the community and, in particular, young children.
A spokesperson said the the highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as pertussis, could lead to severe complications, including hospitalisation and death, in babies and young infants.
There have been 7010 cases of whooping cough reported from January 1 to August 11, compared with just 104 cases during the same period last year.
The spokesperson said whooping cough was a cyclical disease which peaks every three to five years.
During the last peak in 2019, there were only 937 cases of whooping cough reported for the same period.
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of whooping cough, and is recommended during pregnancy to reduce the risk of the baby becoming seriously ill.
The vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program during pregnancy; for children aged 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, and four years old; and for adolescents aged 11-13 years as part of the free Queensland School Immunisation Program.
Anyone under 20 who missed a childhood whooping cough vaccine can also access it for free.
