Warning from Public Health as whooping cough cases surge in Tasmania

Public Health authorities say there has been a big increase in the number of cases of whooping cough in Tasmania. Find out how to protect pregnant women and young children.

A mother holding child baby on the living room. The baby is sick having some cough. Istock Photo

The number of Tasmanians with whooping cough has surged with 72 cases so far this year – prompting a warning on vaccinations.

Pertussis, known as whooping cough, can be potentially fatal in babies.

It is a highly infectious respiratory disease that causes a coughing illness and affects people of all ages.

The number of cases in Tasmania is continuing to increase with 72 to June 23 this year compared with five cases in the same period in 2023 and 0 cases in 2022.

Public Health acting director, Dr Scott McKeown, said the increase had been expected and was in line with trends currently seen in other Australian states and territories.

“Every three to five years we see increases in whooping cough cases caused by reduced community immunity,” he said.

Doctor Scott McKeown Acting Director of Public Health. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The last time we saw a rise in cases of whooping cough in Tasmania was late 2018 to early 2020.

“Babies under six months are at greatest risk from whooping cough, and sadly sometimes deaths do occur in this age group.”

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners chair Dr Toby Gardner said he had heard of recent outbreaks in primary schools.

He stressed the need for pregnant women to be vaccinated.

Pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated against whooping cough

“We really, really encourage pregnant ladies to get vaccinated, so at least they get some coverage for the newborn baby because they don’t get their first vaccine against it until they’re six weeks old,” Dr Gardner said.

“It’s not funded for family members, but we encourage anyone who’s got a newborn coming into the family to get vaccinated.”

Dr McKeown said infants and young children should receive their routine childhood whooping cough vaccines from six weeks, four months, six months, 18 months and four years of age for protection from severe illness.

“Immunity from the whooping cough vaccine reduces over time, so it is also important for other adults and older children who live with, or plan to be in contact with, a young baby to get a booster vaccine,” he said.

“Booster vaccines are also the best way for older children and adults to protect themselves from whooping cough.”

Dr McKeown recommended anyone with respiratory illness symptoms to stay at home, avoid contact with people at risk of getting very sick, including infants, young children and elderly Tasmanians, and to wear a mask.

Symptoms of whooping cough, he said, often started like other respiratory illnesses, including runny nose, mild fever and cough.

The cough can worsen with severe bouts of coughing fits, sometimes followed with vomiting or a gasping breath that causes a “whoop” sound.

Adults may have a persistent cough.

“If you have symptoms suggestive of whooping cough or you know you have been in contact with someone who has whooping cough, you should see your GP for testing and treatment if required,” said Dr McKeown.

“Even if you are up to date with your whooping cough vaccination, if you have any respiratory symptoms like cough or sore throat, please don’t visit a young baby or woman late in their pregnancy.”