South Australia is grappling with a severe outbreak of whooping cough, with cases surging tenfold compared to the same period last year.
The infections have prompted urgent calls from the state’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, for people to get vaccinated.
“I am concerned this year we might be in for a really significant wave,” Spurrier said.
“Week on week the numbers keep increasing.”
492 cases have been reported so far in 2024, the highest tally in six years.
The highly contagious respiratory illness, characterised by a persistent and severe cough, poses a significant threat, particularly to infants.
“If it’s a little baby, while they’re coughing, they’re not getting any oxygen in, and that’s why it’s so dangerous,” Spurrier said.
Free vaccinations for whooping cough are provided for babies at six weeks, four months and six months.
Then, boosters are available after that.
Pregnant women are also eligible for a free vaccination.
“It’s terribly important at the moment for people that are pregnant or expecting a baby… make sure you have had your whooping cough vaccine,” Spurrier said.
With babies under six months the most vulnerable to the illness, anyone who spends time with infants has been encouraged to get a booster.
“That cough can go on for weeks and weeks and months and months, and it is being called the 100-day cough because sometimes it can go on for three months,” Spurrier said.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
