06 Jun 2024 | 08:46 AM UTC
New Zealand: Elevated pertussis activity reported in multiple areas, especially Counties Manukau, in early June
Elevated pertussis activity reported in multiple areas in New Zealand in early June. Counties Manukau is most affected. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated pertussis activity across multiple areas in New Zealand, with a total of 144 cases reported Jan. 1-June 1. This is 4.5 times higher than the 32 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Counties Manukau (25 cases) is the most affected district, followed by Wairarapa (18 cases), Aukland (16 cases), Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley (16 cases), Canterbury (15 cases), and Waikato (10 cases). Local health officials urge the public to ensure their pertussis vaccinations are up to date. This report represents the most complete data available as of June 6.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against pertussis or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccination coverage in New Zealand is estimated at 94 percent in 2022, within the 92-94 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. Health officials reported roughly 141 pertussis cases nationwide in New Zealand in 2023, 18 cases in 2022, 43 cases in 2021, and 171 cases in 2020.
Pertussis - also known as "whooping cough" - is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms range from mild illness with low-grade fever and occasional coughing in the early stage, to vomiting, exhaustion, and severe fits of rapid coughing in the later stage. Infants and children up to 4 years old are at highest risk and typically suffer the most severe symptoms.
