News
26 August, 2024
Whooping cough cases soaring
QUEENSLAND is facing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, with 7,010 reported from January 1 to August 11 2024, compared to just 104 cases in the same period last year. This represents a 70-fold increase.
QUEENSLAND is facing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, with 7,010 reported from January 1 to August 11 2024, compared to just 104 cases in the same period last year. This represents a 70-fold increase.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is particularly dangerous for infants, potentially leading to severe complications, hospitalisation, or even death. Vaccination remains the most effective defence, particularly for pregnant women, who are urged to get immunised between weeks 20 and 32 of pregnancy.
However, vaccination rates among pregnant women in Queensland have declined, from 77.2 per cent in 2020 to 70.7 per cent in 2023. Queensland Health officials stress the importance of vaccination to protect vulnerable infants.
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard highlighted that vaccinating pregnant women reduces the risk of their babies contracting whooping cough by 75 per cent.
The vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for various age groups, including pregnant women.
