Whooping cough outbreak ‘well overdue’ in Australia: Here's what you need to know
Experts are warning an outbreak of whooping cough is ‘well overdue’. While the respiratory disease is most commonly known for the fatal risks it poses to babies, Aussies of all ages could be at risk.
Video transcript
- Experts are warning Aussies that an outbreak of whooping cough is well overdue. Here's what you need to know while the respiratory disease is most commonly known for the fatal risks it poses to babies, Aussies of all ages could be at risk. The disease is extremely contagious and is spread directly from person to person. It impairs breathing by causing long and uncontrolled bursts of coughing in adults and pauses in breath for babies.
Thousands of Australians were affected by the last outbreak in 2015. And the next wave is expected imminently as they usually occur every four years. So should you be concerned?
Due to the disease's highly contagious nature, an increase in cases could easily become widespread throughout the country. Adults have antibiotics available to them, as well as an effective vaccine so an outbreak would not mean a repeat of COVID lockdowns. However, there are fears that a surge in cases would not only mean many Aussies would quickly become unwell, it would also pose an increased risk of fatality to newborn babies.
Dr. Daniel Golshevsky told Yahoo News Australia, "It's extremely, extremely contagious and the major risk is that it doesn't cause babies to cough but it causes apnea, which is pauses in breath. It can be fatal." Babies can receive their first whooping cough vaccine at six weeks old, but most deaths occur before immunization, and it still poses a threat post-vaccine.
On average, there is one death and more than 200 hospitalisations in infants less than six months old due to whooping cough in Australia each year. However, these numbers are expected to rise significantly with the upcoming outbreak. So, what next?
Aussies are being urged to do two things-- ensure you're vaccinated and be vigilant around newborn babies. Dr. Golshevsky said, "Anyone at all, but especially those in close proximity to babies, should aim to get a booster every 10 years. And if you're in contact with someone unwell or who has a cough, I recommend they avoid the baby."
Some doctors advise adults to wait up to two weeks after vaccination to see a newborn. About 9 in 10 people who have contact with a household member with whooping cough will catch the infection if they're not vaccinated. Antibiotics are available for an infected individual, which will lessen the chance of severe symptoms and shorten the infectious period from three weeks to one, but it will not stop its spread.
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