Summer whooping cough awareness

Whooping cough is on the increase and Australia is heading for a summer outbreak

By Latrobe City Council - 21st December 2001 - Back to News

Whooping cough is on the increase and Australia is heading for a summer outbreak. The National Notifiable Diseases surveillance system has indicated that to October, cases were up by more than 1000 on last year’s figures, to 6600.

Latrobe City’s Health Services Leader, Mr Andrew Mackintosh, said in Gippsland there have been fifteen reported cases in November, bringing the year’s total to 65.

"The last national epidemic was in 1997, when there were 10,700 reported cases, including nine deaths," Mr Mackintosh said.

Mr Mackintosh said babies and young children are the most vulnerable age group, as they can suffer potentially fatal complications such as pneumonia and brain damage.

"However, the disease is being transmitted to older children and adults, with the majority of cases seen in those over the age of ten," Mr Mackintosh said.

"Whooping cough vaccinations are recommended at two, four, six and eighteen months of age, and it is important to remember the booster dose given at age four.

"Anyone with a persistent cough should visit their GP for a whooping cough test. Antibiotic treatment is available and the treatment can reduce the risk of infecting others," Mr Mackintosh added.

Further information on whooping cough vaccinations can be obtained from Council’s Health Services Unit, telephone 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com