How a deadly disease that is most dangerous for babies is sweeping Australia - ... trends now
Australia is facing a whooping cough outbreak.
Some 2,799 cases were recorded in the first three months of 2024.
Cases are highest in Queensland and New South Wales, with more than 1,000 recorded in each state.
The last time Queensland recorded more than 1,000 cases in three months was the first quarter of 2013.
This was at the tail end of a significant outbreak that spanned 2008 until 2012 – Australia's largest reported outbreak since the widespread introduction of whooping cough vaccines in the 1950s.
More than 140,000 cases were recorded during this period, with the number peaking at 38,748 in 2011.
There was a smaller outbreak between 2014 and 2017, with more than 60,000 cases in these years.
So what is whooping cough, why are cases rising now, and how can you protect yourself?
Whooping cough is most dangerous for babies
Whooping cough can be life-threatening for newborns who have not received their vaccinations
Whooping cough is a serious and highly contagious respiratory disease. Also called pertussis, it's caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.
The initial symptoms of whooping cough resemble other cold and flu-like symptoms. These include runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and fever.
However, as the disease progresses into the second week, the coughing fits become worse and more frequent.
After or between bouts of coughing, patients may gasp for air and produce the characteristic 'whoop' noise.
The disease is also sometimes called the '100-day cough' as it can last for 6–12 weeks.
It's especially serious and can be life-threatening in newborns who are yet to receive their vaccinations.
In older children who are fully vaccinated, as well as adolescents and adults, the disease is normally less severe.
However, even in adults, the coughing can lead to fractured ribs.
Antibiotics are used to treat whooping cough but are most effective when given during the initial stages of the illness.
The best protection in the first instance is vaccination, which prevents most cases of serious illness, and reduces the spread of whooping cough in the community.
It's recommended children are given six doses of a whooping cough vaccine (which is combined with vaccines for other diseases) between the ages of roughly two months and 13 years.
Vaccination is free under the National Immunisation Program for children and pregnant women. Vaccinating women against whooping cough during pregnancy protects newborns in their first months of life.
Immunity from these vaccines wanes over time, so it's also recommended adults
