Latest figures show an increase in the number of whooping cough cases in Australia last year and again this year, particularly in babies under six months of age. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection which can be life threatening.
In a recent tragic case, a baby girl born perfectly healthy died at four weeks of age – making her the first innocent victim to die from this appalling disease since 2004. Queensland Health is warning parents and family members to keep their whooping cough vaccinations up-to-date to avoid placing babies at risk, as the infection is often spread to babies by adults who are not immunised. New parents, couples planning a pregnancy, and adults and young people in close contact with babies should see their GP for a single booster dose (if not vaccinated in the past 10 years).
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