Health district warns parents after 110th whooping cough patient
A total of 110 people have presented with whooping cough in Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District between January to July 31 and authorities are reminding parents to keep vaccinations up-to-date.
Penrith
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PARENTS are being urged to keep watch for symptoms of whooping cough.
The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District warning comes after North St Marys Public School shared a notification from the health district that a pupil had been diagnosed with the bacterial infection.
According to the latest figures, 110 people have presented with whooping cough — or pertussis — within the local health district this year.
“This figure is lower than the average over the same period in the previous five years,” a health district spokeswoman said.
“Whooping cough is constantly circulating in the community and outbreaks tend to occur every three to four years.”
During January to July in 2016, a total of 317 people contracted the infection.
In 2015, in the same period, 216 people diagnosed.
While this year is on a relatively good track, authorities are urging parents to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
“The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be up to date with vaccinations,” the spokeswoman said.
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“Young infants are at greatest risk from whooping cough.
“Immunisation provides good protection from whooping cough, however, immunity does fade over time and boosters are recommended.”
She said early detection was important.
“Whooping cough usually begins like a cold with a blocked or runny nose, tiredness, mild fever and a cough.
“The cough can last for many weeks and may be worse at night.”
For more information visit health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/pertussis.aspx