Whooping cough cases continue to surge in NSW and Queensland

A frightening virus which can turn deadly, particularly in babies, continues to surge in some of Australia’s biggest states.

Whooping cough cases are slamming NSW and Queensland, with a major spike in cases.

To June 30, NSW had 5372 cases, while Queensland had recorded 4951 cases.

In comparison, in 2023 Queensland had recorded 927 case and NSW 914 for the entire year.

In June, NSW Health requested GPs limit prescriptions of two antibiotics amid a national shortage and rising rates of pneumonia, whooping cough and respiratory viruses in the state.

The whooping cough vaccine is free for babies, four-year-olds, pregnant women and teenagers aged 12 to 13. Picture: iStock

The powder most commonly used to treat whooping cough is in dire shortages, with the shortfall not likely to be fixed this year, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Alternative generic medicines are available though.

When the disease is contracted, bacteria affect the lungs and airways, causing a person to cough violently and uncontrollably. This can make it hard for the infected person to breathe and is most serious in babies.

Whooping cough is highly infectious in unvaccinated people. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

On average each year in Australia, in the absence of maternal vaccination, one infant dies and more than 200 are hospitalised because of whooping cough, the federal health department says.

Whooping cough can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and death.

In NSW cases plummeted during 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The disease is endemic to Australia, and epidemics of the disease typically rise and fall on a three to five year cycle. However, the last epidemic was across 2015 and 2016.

The whooping cough vaccine is free in Australia for babies, four-year-olds, pregnant women and teenagers aged 12 to 13.

Originally published as Whooping cough cases continue to surge in NSW and Queensland