Significant surge in whooping cough cases causes alarm

A significant surge in whooping cough cases cause for concern, NT Health says. Read the details.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. The main symptoms are paroxysms of cough and inspiratory whoop.

A “significant” surge in whooping cough cases has prompted an alert from NT Health.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways.

It is especially severe among babies who have a higher risk of death from the disease.

NT Health said there were 91 cases recorded in the NT this year, up from just 12 cases in 2023.

“Whooping cough is a serious disease because it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death,” an NT Health spokesperson said.

“In the past month alone, 31 cases have been notified.”

Dr Vicki Krause, NT Health Centre for Disease Control director, said all members of the community could help stop the spread of whooping cough by getting vaccinated.

Experts say it’s “vital” to get vaccinated to protect against whooping cough. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

“It’s vital for everyone to know their vaccination status and to keep up-to-date with their whooping cough vaccine to protect themselves, their families and those they care for,” Dr Krause said.

NT Health said the following members of the community could receive free whooping cough vaccines:

Pregnant women from 20 weeks for each pregnancy – this vaccine will pass on protection to their newborns.

Babies under six months during their scheduled vaccines.

Children aged between 12 and 19 through school vaccination programs and at local health clinics, pharmacies or GPs.

NT Health also recommended adults who came into contact with newborns ensure they had been vaccinated for whooping cough in the past 10 years.

Originally published as Significant surge in whooping cough cases causes alarm