26 Aug 2024 | 02:02 PM UTC
Australia: Elevated pertussis activity reported nationwide, especially New South Wales, in August
Elevated pertussis activity reported across Australia, especially New South Wales, in August. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated pertussis activity across Australia, with a total of 21,975 cases reported Jan. 1-Aug. 26. This is compared to 2,450 cases reported in 2023. New South Wales (10,328 cases) is the most affected, followed by Queensland (7,664 cases), Victoria (2,834 cases), South Australia (437 cases), Western Australia (346 cases), Tasmania (173 cases), the Australian Capital Territory (170 cases), and the Northern Territory (23 cases). Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against the disease and recommend that children showing symptoms be kept at home to prevent disease transmission. This report represents the most complete data available as of Aug. 26.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
In Australia, coverage for the first dose of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP) vaccine was 98 percent in 2023, exceeding the WHO-recommended guidelines of 95 percent to prevent wider public transmission. Previous years' case counts were 12,026 cases in 2019, 3,457 cases in 2020, 550 cases in 2021, and 483 cases in 2022.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure, but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and individuals with a weakened immune system.
