17 Sep 2024 | 03:34 PM UTC
Australia: Elevated pertussis activity reported nationwide, especially New South Wales, in September /update 1
Elevated pertussis activity reported across Australia, especially New South Wales, in September. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated pertussis activity across Australia, with an additional 6,044 cases reported between Aug. 26-Sept. 17, bringing the total case count to 28,019 cases since Jan. 1. This is compared to 2,450 cases reported in 2023. New South Wales (13,316 cases) is the most affected state, followed by Queensland (8,869 cases), Victoria (4,337 cases), South Australia (578 cases), Western Australia (438 cases), Tasmania (257 cases), the Australian Capital Territory (197 cases), and the Northern Territory (27 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 Sept. 17.
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.
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.
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.
