High whooping cough rates in the Darling Downs

THE Darling Downs has had the second highest number of whooping cough cases in Queensland so far this year.

THE Darling Downs has had the second highest number of whooping cough cases in Queensland so far this year.

THE Darling Downs has had the second highest number of whooping cough cases in Queensland so far this year.

Queensland Health data has revealed there were 47 confirmed cases of whooping cough in the Darling Downs, just behind Metro North, where there were 50 cases.

Darling Downs Public Health Unit director Dr Penny Hutchinson said Goondiwindi experienced an outbreak towards the end of last year.

"We are still seeing some cases from Goondiwindi, also in other parts of the Darling Downs," Dr Hutchinson said.

"Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

"It can affect people of any age. In teens and adults, the infection may cause a persistent cough. However, for babies and young children, whooping cough can be life threatening.

"Symptoms of whooping cough vary but typically start out like a cold with a runny nose, with sneezing, tiredness and characteristic coughing bouts developing over several days."

Dr Hutchinson said there was a vaccine for whooping cough which is provided through the National Immunisation Program. Deaths have dropped since the vaccine was made available.
 

Originally published as High whooping cough rates in the Darling Downs