Four cases of whooping cough (pertussis) have been reported in Nelson-Marlborough so far this year and nationally there was a spike of 58 notified cases in May.
Medical officer of health for the National Public Health Service Te Waipounamu, Dr Andrew Lindsay, says whooping cough can occur at any time of year, but can spread more readily in the cooler months when people spend more time indoors.
Nationally, cases of whooping cough have been increasing since the beginning of May. Epidemics have continued to occur every three to five years, with the last national outbreak beginning in late 2017 and continuing through 2018. Because of that, the National Public Health Service has warned there is a higher likelihood of an outbreak occurring.
Dr Lindsay says the best thing people can do to protect their families from whooping cough is to get vaccinated.
The highly-infectious disease is caused by bacteria that damage the breathing tubes and is spread by coughing and sneezing. It usually starts with a runny nose, fever and dry cough, with the cough gradually worsening. It often develops into long, coughing attacks that can last for eight to 12 weeks.
He says it is particularly dangerous for babies, especially those under a year old and young children. In young children, coughing attacks may end with a ‘whoop’ sound at the intake of breath, or with vomiting or gagging. Babies may have the similar symptoms but are less likely to have a whoop.
Dr Lindsay says immunisation is the best way to prevent whooping cough and protect young babies. Free immunisation during pregnancy is 90 per cent effective in protecting babies in their first few weeks of life, followed by free immunisation at six weeks, three months and five months.
He says medical attention should be sought immediately and an ambulance called if a baby or child appears to be having difficulty breathing, gasping for air, turns blue or has periods of not breathing, no matter how short.
