Whooping cough cases explode across the country. Here's what we know about this surge so far
- Replies 1
As the winter chill sets in, Aussies are starting to gear up for cooler days.
With these cold days, however, comes the threat of being sick and vulnerable.
Apart from a surge of flu cases, another illness is making headlines across the country.
If you have noticed more news stories about outbreaks or even know someone who's come down with a lingering cough, you're not alone.
Australia is experiencing its most significant surge in whooping cough or pertussis cases in decades.
The surge in cases has been a significant public health concern, especially for Australia's most vulnerable communities.
Whooping cough is no stranger to Australia, as epidemics within the country typically pop up every three to four years.
However, the current wave, which began in 2024, has been breaking records.
In 2024, more than 57,000 cases of pertussis were reported nationwide.
The number of cases marked the highest annual total since 1991.
New South Wales saw 25,900 cases, and the numbers kept climbing into 2025.
As of writing, the state has already recorded 14,000 cases of pertussis.
Some regions, like Queensland and Western Australia's Kimberley, have been hit hard.
Outside of Australia, The United States has been grappling with its worst whooping cough outbreak since 1948, with tragic deaths reported among infants.
Several factors have fuelled the surge in cases:
While anyone can catch whooping cough, some groups are at much higher risk of severe illness:
Yes, however, vaccines offer essential protection from pertussis.
Babies receive their first doses at six weeks, four months, and at six months.
These doses help in preventing severe illnesses as they grow up.
However, without booster shots, immunity could drop to less than 50 per cent by the time they reach four years old.
Adults, especially those caring for young children, should get a booster every ten years.
These shots are crucial for grandparents, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.
Pregnant women who took a booster shot in their second trimester could pass protective antibodies to their babies.
How contagious is the whooping cough?
The whooping cough is up to ten times more contagious than the flu.
Despite being vaccinated, individuals may still catch and spread it, though in a milder condition.
Spotting the signs
Early whooping cough could look a lot like a common cold, with symptoms like runny nose, mild fever, and a persistent cough.
After a week, the cough could become severe and come in long fits that may end with a distinctive 'whoop' sound.
In babies, there may be no whoop at all, but they might stop breathing briefly or turn blue.
In teens and adults, the only symptom might be a stubborn cough that would not disappear.
How to protect yourself and others
Have you or someone you know been affected by whooping cough? How do you stay safe amid a surge of illnesses? Share your experiences and thoughts about this illness in the comments below.
With these cold days, however, comes the threat of being sick and vulnerable.
Apart from a surge of flu cases, another illness is making headlines across the country.
If you have noticed more news stories about outbreaks or even know someone who's come down with a lingering cough, you're not alone.
Australia is experiencing its most significant surge in whooping cough or pertussis cases in decades.
The surge in cases has been a significant public health concern, especially for Australia's most vulnerable communities.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, has seen a surge in cases since last year. Image Credit: Pexels/Vlada Karpovich
Whooping cough is no stranger to Australia, as epidemics within the country typically pop up every three to four years.
However, the current wave, which began in 2024, has been breaking records.
In 2024, more than 57,000 cases of pertussis were reported nationwide.
The number of cases marked the highest annual total since 1991.
New South Wales saw 25,900 cases, and the numbers kept climbing into 2025.
As of writing, the state has already recorded 14,000 cases of pertussis.
Some regions, like Queensland and Western Australia's Kimberley, have been hit hard.
Outside of Australia, The United States has been grappling with its worst whooping cough outbreak since 1948, with tragic deaths reported among infants.
Several factors have fuelled the surge in cases:
- COVID-19's Lingering Impact: The pandemic didn't just disrupt our daily lives—it also interrupted routine childhood vaccinations and reduced our natural exposure to many diseases. With fewer people catching and recovering from whooping cough during lockdowns, community immunity has dropped.
- Vaccine Hesitancy: The pandemic era has also seen a rise in vaccine scepticism, leading to small but significant drops in immunisation rates. Australia's coverage is still relatively high, but it slipped below the national target of 95 per cent. Even a slight dip can open the door to outbreaks.
- Waning Immunity: Unlike some vaccines that offer lifelong protection, the whooping cough vaccine's effectiveness fades over time. This means even those who were vaccinated as children can become susceptible again as adults.
While anyone can catch whooping cough, some groups are at much higher risk of severe illness:
- Babies under six weeks: These little ones are too young to be vaccinated and are highly vulnerable. Whooping cough can cause life-threatening complications like pneumonia, seizures, and brain inflammation.
- Infants under six months: Even after their first shots, babies in this age group are more likely to need hospital care if they catch the disease.
- Older children and adults: Surprisingly, more than 70 per cent of recent cases have been in people aged 10 and up. While the illness is usually less severe in older kids and adults, they can easily pass it on to babies and others at risk.
Yes, however, vaccines offer essential protection from pertussis.
Babies receive their first doses at six weeks, four months, and at six months.
These doses help in preventing severe illnesses as they grow up.
However, without booster shots, immunity could drop to less than 50 per cent by the time they reach four years old.
Adults, especially those caring for young children, should get a booster every ten years.
These shots are crucial for grandparents, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.
Pregnant women who took a booster shot in their second trimester could pass protective antibodies to their babies.
How contagious is the whooping cough?
The whooping cough is up to ten times more contagious than the flu.
Despite being vaccinated, individuals may still catch and spread it, though in a milder condition.
Spotting the signs
Early whooping cough could look a lot like a common cold, with symptoms like runny nose, mild fever, and a persistent cough.
After a week, the cough could become severe and come in long fits that may end with a distinctive 'whoop' sound.
In babies, there may be no whoop at all, but they might stop breathing briefly or turn blue.
In teens and adults, the only symptom might be a stubborn cough that would not disappear.
How to protect yourself and others
- Check your vaccination status: You can do this easily through myGov, the Express Plus Medicare app, or by asking your GP.
- Get booster shots: If you're pregnant, get a booster in your second trimester. If you're planning to spend time with young children or newborns, make sure you're up to date.
- See your doctor: If you have a cough that lasts more than a week or comes in fits, ask your GP about testing for whooping cough.
- Stay home if you're sick: This helps stop the spread, especially to those who are most vulnerable.
.png){kind=icon}
