Summary
- With cases of pertussis (whooping cough) continuing to rise across the Cape York, Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area region, residents are being urged to ensure their and their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
- As well as vaccination, all Torres and Cape residents can play an important role in limiting the spread of infectious diseases.
With cases of pertussis (whooping cough) continuing to rise across the Cape York, Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area region, residents are being urged to ensure their and their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said 134 notifications of whooping cough had been recorded across the region so far this year, compared to none for the same period last year.
“In fact, we had no recorded cases at all in 2023 and, indeed, no previous recorded cases since 2019,’’ she said.
“We’ve had clusters of cases right across the region throughout the year, including at Cooktown and Weipa, with new cases still being reported at Weipa.
“Across Queensland, 12,590 confirmed cases of whooping cough have been recorded so far this year, compared to 549 for the same period last year.’’
Dr Hempenstall said it was vital that all Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Cape York residents and their children who were eligible for the vaccine ensured they were vaccinated.
“A booster dose of pertussis vaccine is recommended for any adult who wants to reduce the risk of infection and hasn't had a booster in the past 10 years,’’ she said.
“Whooping cough is a highly infectious illness that is spread by coughing and sneezing. The illness can affect people of all ages but is particularly serious in infants.
“It’s very important that people with coughing illnesses seek early medical attention. This will facilitate timely treatment of pertussis cases and help reduce the risk of infecting others.’’
Symptoms of whooping cough may include:
- Initially cold-like symptoms, runny nose, tiredness, sneezing and sometimes a fever.
- Coughing then develops which can lead to coughing fits and a deep gasp or ‘whoop’.
- Vomiting after coughing fits (post-tussive vomiting).
- Babies can gag or gasp or turn blue during coughing spells.
Dr Hempenstall said pertussis vaccination for pregnant women was recommended from 20 weeks gestation and had been shown to prevent whooping cough in infants during the first six months of life.
Protection against whooping cough also is included in the routine vaccinations given to children at two months, four months and six months of age and boosters given at 18 months and four years of age, as well as Year 7 at school.
“It is very important that all young children are up to date with their vaccinations,’’ she said.
“It is also important that people with coughing illnesses avoid contact with infants less than six months of age until a diagnosis is made and they are no longer infectious.
“Vaccination is particularly important for people living with or caring for babies under six months, such as fathers, carers, and grandparents.
“The vaccine should be given at least two weeks before contact with the infant.’’
Dr Hempenstall said adults working with infants and young children under four years of age and all health care workers should receive a dose of pertussis vaccine.
A booster dose is recommended every 10 years.
As well as vaccination, all Torres and Cape residents can play an important role in limiting the spread of infectious diseases.
This includes practising good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside of your arm and staying at home when sick.