AUSTRALIA is grappling with a record-breaking whooping cough epidemic, with more than 41,000 cases of the highly infectious lung disease reported so far in 2024, according to national disease data.
This figure already surpasses the previous high of 38,748 cases in 2011, with estimates suggesting that over 45,000 cases could be logged by year's end.
The 2024 Whooping Cough Report Card, issued by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, revealed that New South Wales and Queensland are the hardest-hit, with New South Wales accounting for half and Queensland nearly 30% of the cases.
School-aged children, particularly those aged 10-14, are also bearing the brunt, representing nearly 40% of all cases this year.
The report coincided with Whooping Cough Day last Fri, which is urging Australians to update their vaccinations.
Dr Laurence Luu, Research Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, noted the epidemic's severity is compounded by declining community vaccination rates.
"We anticipated a rise in cases, but not to this magnitude," he said, warning that low booster rates across age groups are exacerbating the issue.
In 2023, only 75% of 13-year-olds received their booster, while just 20% of Australians over 50 are up to date on vaccinations.
Adults are encouraged to get a booster every 10 years to protect against this bacterial disease, which spreads more easily than the flu, measles, or COVID-19.
Catherine Hughes, founder of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, stressed the seriousness of the situation.
Hughes, who lost her infant son to whooping cough complications during the last epidemic, emphasised that "whooping cough remains a significant public health threat in Australia".
She noted that people with asthma are particularly vulnerable, being four times more likely to contract the infection.
Whooping cough's symptoms, including severe coughing fits and breathing difficulties, often appear after one to two weeks, making it easy to spread before detection.
The infection can be contagious for up to three weeks or until antibiotic treatment is completed.
With Nov marking a peak in cases, pharmacists are urged to inform customers to stay alert, ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date, and seek medical advice for any ongoing cough symptoms. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Nov 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 11 Nov 24
