Australia is battling the largest whooping cough epidemic in history since the invention of vaccines against the deadly disease.
Whooping cough is a highly infectious and life-threatening lung disease that can be life-threatening in infants and young children.
Health authorities are on high alert after 41,013 cases were recorded this year, more than the previous record of 38,748 cases in 2011.
Up to 130 confirmed cases of whooping cough are recorded every day and up to 45,000 new cases are expected by the end of the year.
The figures have revealed a significant increase in cases in school-aged children, with almost 40 per cent of infections recorded in children aged 10 to 14 years.
Dr Laurence Luu, Chancellor’s Research Fellow and professor at the University of Technology Sydney, said the disease was more contagious than Covid-19.
“Given the significant increase in pertussis cases, current vaccination rates are a major concern,” he said.
“While we do an incredible job protecting newborns and infants, revaccination or ‘booster’ rates are alarmingly low.”
Whooping cough is a highly infectious and life-threatening lung disease that can be life-threatening in infants and young children (stock)
Australia is fighting the largest whooping cough epidemic in history since the invention of vaccines against this deadly disease (pictured, a map of the disease in Australia by year)
Riley, the four-week-old son of Immunization Foundation of Australia founder Catherine Hughes AM, sadly died from complications of whooping cough.
He has since urged people to be alert for any signs of infection.
“Many people are not aware of the need for a booster vaccine and are probably not sufficiently protected,” he said.
‘We all have a role to play in controlling the spread of whooping cough and reducing the risk of infection in ourselves and others. A community effort is needed to protect against whooping cough.’
Whooping cough symptoms do not always appear until two weeks after infection, meaning a person can remain contagious for up to three weeks.
The disease can also be treated with antibiotics and Australians are urged to take basic health measures to reduce the spread of the infection.
This includes people who cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and washing their hands regularly.
In 2023, one in four young Australians who turned 13 did not receive their whooping cough booster vaccine, while Only one in five Australians over 50 are up to date with their whooping cough vaccine.
The Immunization Foundation of Australia recommends that adults receive a booster vaccine at least every 10 years to maintain protection against bacterial infection.
There has been a significant increase in cases among children aged 10 to 14 in Australia (pictured)
The disease is very contagious and will likely infect most people who come into close contact with a sick person.
Whooping cough usually begins with typical flu-like symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and mild fever.
A dry, persistent cough usually lasts a week and the frequency of the cough produces a “screaming” sound.
Severe cases can cause pneumonia, nose, eye or brain bleeding, and some children may also suffer brain damage.