Whooping cough

2024 - 11 - 8

Australia's Coughing Catastrophe: Whooping Cough Outbreak Takes the Spotlight!

whooping cough vaccine Australia Health Crisis - Infectious Diseases - Pertussis - Public Health - Vaccination - Whooping cough - whooping cough vaccine

Whooping cough is making a comeback in Australia, and it’s not pretty! With record cases, we need to talk vaccinations ASAP!

Australia is currently grappling with a whooping cough epidemic like never before, marking the largest outbreak since the advent of vaccines. Driven largely by a worrying dip in vaccination rates, pediatricians across the country are sounding the alarm. The statistics are staggering, with over 41,000 cases reported in 2024 alone, a stark increase compared to just under 2,500 cases last year. This uptick in cases emphasizes the dire need for communal protection through vaccination, as every unvaccinated child possibly contributes to the cycle of transmission.

Particularly alarming is the data emerging from South Australia, where the situation has become critical. The chief pharmacist at Terry White Chemmart, Brenton Hart, recently stated that the healthcare system is on the brink due to the soaring numbers. Parents are understandably concerned, not just for their children's health but for the broader implications of this public health threat. Each night, numerous children like little Cylas are at risk, stopping breathing due to severe coughing fits that can result from whooping cough — a reminder of why vaccinations are essential!

Healthcare experts are stressing that immediate action is required to increase vaccination rates, especially the hexavalent vaccine which protects not just against whooping cough but also polio and other diseases. These preventative vaccinations are crucial; without them, we’re allowing diseases that can easily be controlled to regain a foothold in our communities. The situation is still reversible, and public health campaigns aim to educate parents on the importance of vaccinations in halting the spread of this respiratory illness.

Interestingly, the whooping cough vaccine has a long history of combating outbreaks since its introduction in the 1950s. However, current vaccination rates are the lowest they’ve been in years, and the effects are becoming painfully clear. If we all come together to increase awareness and prioritize childhood vaccinations, we may just avert this troublesome trend and protect future generations from preventable diseases. Remember, vaccination isn’t just personal; it’s a community effort!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Cylas stops breathing every night. This year, more than 26000 ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Australia is experiencing its worst whooping cough epidemic on record driven by a rise in cases among children as vaccination rates dip.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Herald Sun"

Australia hit by record-breaking outbreak (Herald Sun)

Australia is in the grips of the largest whooping cough epidemic since the introduction of vaccines against the potentially fatal lung disease, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "K rock"

Australia's Whooping Cough Crisis (K rock)

Australia is experiencing the largest whooping cough outbreak since vaccines were introduced, with over 41000 cases reported in 2024.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Nine"

Experts warn Australia on the brink of whooping cough epidemic (Nine)

Last year, Australia recorded a total of just under 2500 cases in total, but Terry White Chemmart chief pharmacist, Brenton Hart, told Today this year's case ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Advertiser"

'Public health threat' as SA hit by record-breaking outbreak (The Advertiser)

Australia is in the grips of the largest whooping cough epidemic since the introduction of vaccines against the potentially fatal lung disease — with SA ...

Record Whooping Cough Outbreak Hits (Mirage News)

More than 45000 cases of the infectious lung disease expected by year endAustralia is in the grip of the largest whooping cough epidemic since the.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Canberra CityNews"

Deadly cough spreading like wildfire amid record cases | Canberra ... (Canberra CityNews)

Australians are falling behind on whooping cough vaccinations as the nation faces its worst outbreak of the deadly bacterial disease.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "News-Medical.net"

Hexavalent vaccine can reduce spread of whooping cough (News-Medical.net)

Comprehensive coverage of the hexavalent vaccine can protect against whooping cough and polio, averting disease resurgence, writes Esther Nakkazi.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Doctors call for vaccination uptake amid worst year on record for ... (ABC News)

Cases of whooping cough in Australia this year have surpassed 40000 as vaccination rates decline.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Power FM Ballarat"

Australia's Whooping Cough Crisis - Power FM Ballarat (Power FM Ballarat)

Australia is experiencing the largest whooping cough outbreak since vaccines were introduced, with over 41,000 cases reported in 2024.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky News Australia"

Major epidemic continues to rip through Aussie households (Sky News Australia)

Health experts are warning the current outbreak of whooping cough is the "worst on record", as they sound the alarm over a concerning drop in vaccination ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Now To Love"

Whooping cough outbreak worst on record, according to reports ... (Now To Love)

Australia is currently facing its worst whooping cough outbreak on record, with a staggering 41000 cases reported in 2024.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The New Daily"

Whooping cough epidemic, worst on record: What you need to know (The New Daily)

Infectious disease experts have made repeated appeals throughout the year for parents to get their school-age children vaccinated. But adults – parents, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Retail Pharmacy"

Whooping cough outbreak worst on record - Retail Pharmacy (Retail Pharmacy)

Australia is in the grip of the largest whooping cough epidemic since the introduction of vaccines to protect against the bacteria, according to national ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The West Australian"

Record number of whooping cough cases nationwide as WA reports ... (The West Australian)

Western Australia is battling its largest whooping cough epidemic in more than a decade with an alarming 10-fold increase in cases since last year.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WA Country Health Service"

WA Country Health Service - Stay up-to-date and vaccinate this ... (WA Country Health Service)

Known medically as pertussis, whooping cough is a highly infectious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that attacks the airways, causing uncontrollable ...

Number of Whooping Cough Cases on Rise Nationally | Newswise (Newswise)

Whooping cough is making a comeback, and medical providers say the highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits is preventable.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Bellingham Herald"

WA whooping cough outbreak reaches new highs, approaching ... (Bellingham Herald)

Pertussis cases in Washington state approach highest level in a decade. Department of Health warns of spike in disease, symptoms, treatment.

WA whooping cough outbreak reaches new highs, approaching ... (Yakima Herald-Republic)

Earlier this week, on Nov. 7, the Washington State Department of Health to issued a warning to the state's residents about the rising threat of the disease, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NewsChannel5.com"

Whooping cough, walking pneumonia cases on the rise (NewsChannel5.com)

Seasonal sickness is on the rise and may be severe for the youngest in your homes. The CDC reports cases of whooping cough and walking pneumonia have risen ...

Washington state sees steep increase in whooping cough cases (Washington State Department of Health)

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that may begin with common cold symptoms such as runny nose but can lead to severe coughing fits that ...

Explore the last week