Whooping cough cases EIGHT times higher than usual in NT prompting concern for infants

The infectious disease pertussis – known for causing a whooping cough in children and babies – has hit the NT hard this year according to a worrying report from NT Health.

Lottie Hood

2 min read

June 24, 2025 - 5:30AM

Pertussis can cause hospitalisation and death in young children and babies.

An infectious disease which “disproportionately” impacts young children and babies is eight times higher than expected this year across the Territory.

In an alarming surveillance report from NT Health, there have been 50 cases of pertussis – an infectious disease characterised by a whooping cough in babies and young children – diagnosed in the Territory.

In the young, pertussis can lead to hospitalisation and death.

Of the cases reported in 2025 so far, 68 per cent have been in children and 20 per cent of all cases have impacted babies less than a year old.

Unfortunately, the numbers follow a national trend.

Of the cases reported in the NT this year, 20 per cent of them were infants less than a year old.

Over 57,000 cases of pertussis were recorded across Australia in 2024, the most ever recorded in a single year since records began, and 14,000 registered this year.

A spokeswoman for NT Health said there could be a few reasons for this.

“The increase is likely due to the natural seasonality of pertussis which occurs on a four to five year cycle, waning natural immunity in the community from previous pertussis exposure, and a decrease in immunisation coverage across the country,” they said.

The health body said they had been “actively working” to raise awareness and support and equip health professionals during this time.

According to NT Health, the pertussis symptoms tend to develop seven to 10 days after being exposed and usually seem like cold symptoms and an irritating cough.

Later this can change into coughing episodes often followed by dry retching and vomiting.

Australian Medical Association NT president, Dr John Zorbas, said the infectious disease was one that “disproportionately” affects the really young.

“We see pertussis causing severe disease or even death in babies,” he said.

“The classic story is with a new addition to the family, lots of people want to visit the house and then someone inadvertently brings pertussis into the house.

“A baby who is barely days old is suddenly facing the worst trial of their life.

“It’s a really horrible place to be.”

AMA NT President Dr John Zorbas said vaccinations are the cheapest and most effective way of protecting people. Photo: ABC News: Jayden O’Neill

Vaccinations are ‘cheap, effective and lifesaving’

One step which can help stop the spread of pertussis and help protect children is vaccinations.

But since Covid-19, health professionals have seen various vaccination rates decline.

While Dr Zorbas said this was dependent on the disease, the increase of disinformation and misinformation around vaccines and treatment is a real issue.

However, another reason behind the decline is much more conventional.

“I think the majority of people who don’t get vaccines aren’t necessarily anti-vax,” Dr Zorbas added.

“It can be a hard thing to do and to organise.

“It’s a really sad thing for doctors to see, because we see the consequences of declining vaccination rates.

“Vaccination is our single strongest public health program.

“It’s cheap, it’s effective, it’s life saving.”

NT Health urged people to get up-to-date with their vaccinations to help stop the spread. Picture: Tony McDonough / NCA NewsWire,

He said properly funding primary care in the NT would help to ensure there were the right resources and staff available to make the process more accessible.

But Dr Zorbas said it was “everybody’s responsibility” to improve the access, be informed and take action.

NT Health also urges people to get up to date with vaccinations and said there are free vaccines available for children aged 12 and pregnant women.

They also recommended the adult diphtheria tetanus and pertussis vaccine particularly for carers and those due to travel overseas.

In the NT, the report from NT Health also said cases of influenza peaked in mid-April but had since declined. It has caused four deaths in the Territory this year.

There have been 646 reported cases of Covid-19 so far this year in the NT but cases have decreased in the Territory since January.