22 Nov 2024 | 09:13 AM UTC
New Zealand: Elevated pertussis activity reported nationwide, especially Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, in November
Elevated pertussis activity reported nationwide in New Zealand in November. Confirm vaccination; use basic health precautions.
Health officials have reported elevated pertussis activity nationwide in New Zealand, with a total of 927 cases reported Jan. 1-Nov. 15. This is compared to the 141 cases reported in 2023. Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley (154 cases) is the most affected district, followed by Waitaha Canterbury (130 cases), Wairarapa (88 cases), Te Matau a Maui Hawke's Bay (84 cases), Southern (77 cases), and Counties Manukau (71 cases). Local health officials urge the public to ensure their and their children’s pertussis vaccinations are up to date. This report represents the most complete data available as of Nov. 22.
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 93 percent in 2023, 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 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.
