As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of public health, it's crucial to stay informed about the risks that can affect our well-being.

This year, Australia has been hit by a health crisis that's ringing alarm bells across the nation.

We're talking about the largest whooping cough epidemic since the introduction of vaccines, and it's a situation that demands our attention.



Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe coughing fits.

It's particularly dangerous for infants, children, pregnant women, and seniors. The cough is followed by a 'whooping' sound when the person breathes in, hence the name.

But it's no trivial matter; whooping cough can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, can be fatal.


Now, let's delve into the numbers that have experts concerned. More than 41,000 cases of whooping cough have been recorded since the start of the year, surpassing the previous record set in 2011.

With the year not yet over, researchers are warning that despite advancements in protection, whooping cough remains a significant ‘public health threat in Australia’.

Dr Laurence Luu, a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney, expressed surprise at the scale of the outbreak, which is the largest since national notifiable reporting began.

‘Epidemics of whooping cough follow a fairly predictable pattern, so we did predict a rise in cases this year,’ Dr Luu said.

‘However, we had not anticipated the magnitude of this outbreak, the largest since national notifiable reporting began.’

‘Given the significant rise in whooping cough cases, current vaccination rates are a major concern.’



The Immunisation Foundation of Australia's research indicates that one in four adolescents missed their whooping cough booster at age 13 in 2023, and only one in five people over 50 are up-to-date with their vaccinations.

The Foundation recommended that adults receive a booster shot at least every 10 years to maintain protection against whooping cough, which is more contagious than influenza, COVID, and measles.

Symptoms of whooping cough may not appear immediately, often taking a week or two to manifest after infection.

Alarmingly, one infected person can potentially spread it to 17 unvaccinated individuals.

With November historically being the worst month for whooping cough and with Spring and Summer often seeing a spike in cases, there's no room for complacency.



Catherine Hughes AM, founder of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, has a personal and tragic connection to whooping cough.

Her four-week-old son Riley succumbed to complications from the infection. She urged people to be vigilant for signs of infection and to understand the importance of booster vaccines.

‘Many people are unaware of the necessity for a booster vaccine and are probably not adequately protected,’ she said.

‘We all have a role to play in controlling the spread of whooping cough and reducing the risk of infection in ourselves and others. It takes community effort to protect against whooping cough.’
Have you or someone you know been affected by whooping cough? How are you ensuring you stay protected? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.