Darling Downs records 180 cases of whooping cough this year

The region is on high alert after the amount of whooping cough (pertussis) cases doubled, a month after multiple letters warning of the respiratory illness were sent out to schools, daycares and education centres.

Health authorities have renewed calls for residents to stay home if unwell, get immunised, and visit your GP when sick, as cases of whooping cough (pertussis) and influenza spike ahead of winter.

At the end of March, thousands of parents were notified by day cares, schools, and education centres of a whooping cough outbreak as the region recorded three times its average number of cases, with a total of 92 cases in Darling Downs between January 1 – March 31, 2024

As winter approaches the cases have doubled, and Darling Downs Health recorded another 88 cases in April, bringing the total up to 180 cases this year alone.

Most of the cases have been mild in school aged children and so have been spreading unknowingly throughout the community through school and other community events, a press release from Darling Downs Health said on Friday.

Whooping cough can be deadly in newborns and children under the age of six months, and anyone who is pregnant or in close contact with newborns is urged to get vaccinated and get tested if they think they have symptoms, it said.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. The main symptoms are paroxysms of cough and inspiratory whoop, the bacteria are spread by coughing and by nasal drops. The incubation period is 7-14 days. Treatment is with antibiotics. A vaccine is available for this bacterial pathogen.

“A person with whooping cough is infectious for 21 days after the onset of a cough or five days after commencing antibiotics,” it stated.

“It is important for parents to get their children tested if they have an ongoing cough and if whooping cough is found, to get treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of spreading the illness.”

Parents are reminded to keep their children at home as per the Queensland Health Time Out recommendations, Darling Downs Public Health Physician Dr Priya Janagaraj said.

“The whooping cough vaccine is available for all pregnant mothers from 20 weeks onwards,” she said.

“It is also a timely reminder to get the flu vaccine in preparation for the winter months. The best way to avoid getting sick is to talk to your GP about receiving a flu or whooping cough vaccination.

“Vaccinations can take up to two weeks to work, which is why we’re encouraging all Darling Downs residents to roll up their sleeves sooner rather than later.

“This year Queensland Health is providing a free flu vaccine to everyone above the age of six-months, so I’d encourage all members of our community to visit their GP or pharmacist and get the influenza jab soon.”

Public Health Nurse Teresa McGorm and Dr Priya Janagaraj. Picture: Darling Downs Health

As the region enters the flu season, it is also important to remain vigilant around the spread of influenza.

“Influenza can cause severe illness in pregnant mothers and it’s important that pregnant women get vaccinated early at any time during their pregnancy,” the Darling Downs Health press release said.

“Influenza and whooping cough are both highly contagious infections that can affect the upper airways and lungs.

“In addition to receiving the vaccination, there are some simple steps that can be taken to help fight respiratory illnesses.

“These include washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you are sick.

“Some members of the community are more at risk from influenza and complications, these groups include people 65 years and older, those who are pregnant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children, and people with underlying medical conditions.”