Whooping cough on the rise in SW
There has been a sharp rise in the number of cases of whooping cough in Busselton this year.
The WA Country Health Service says 43 cases were reported in Busselton by mid-December, compared to five cases last year.
WACHS Doctor Naru Pal said the exact reason for the spike was unknown, although greater awareness, improved testing and diminished immunity from whooping cough vaccines were possible causes. Across the South West, 220 cases have been reported, compared to 101 for the whole of 2013.
The increase has prompted the WACHS to urge parents to be aware of the symptoms and make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date.
The disease affects people of all ages but can be very severe and even life threatening for children under six months.
Dunsborough GP Dr Peter Ginbey said he had seen several cases lately and said people should get vaccinated if they were likely to come into contact with a newborn.
"Probably half the people I've seen with coughing symptoms have it," he said.
