Children and pregnant women have been urged to get vaccinated against whooping cough as cases rise to a six-year high in South Australia.
This year, 492 cases of whooping cough have been detected in the state, compared to only 48 cases recorded in 2023.
The highly contagious disease, also known as whooping cough, can cause serious illness in people of all ages, but is most dangerous for infants.
South Australia’s Chief Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said vaccination and revaccination were recommended for some people.
“Anyone who is going to be spending time with babies under six months old should consider getting a booster shot,” Professor Spurrier said.
“Many people who have been vaccinated may not realize that immunity wanes over time.”
Professor Spurrier also encouraged pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their newborns.
Children aged eighteen months, two, four and six years can receive the vaccine.
Children and pregnant women are being urged to get vaccinated after whooping cough cases hit a six-year high in an Australian state (file image)
Health advice recommends that women get vaccinated between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
According to the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Panel, more than 25,600 cases of whooping cough have been reported across Australia so far in 2024.
Most cases have been detected in New South Wales, followed by Queensland and Victoria.
New South Wales recorded 5,372 cases as of June 30 this year, while Queensland recorded 4,951 during the same period.
SA Health has warned that whooping cough outbreaks occur every three to four years in the state.
The last time cases reached triple digits in September was in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Around 250,000 children die each year worldwide from whooping cough.
The disease can also be treated with antibiotics, but Professor Spurrier urged people to take basic sanitary measures to reduce the spread of infection.
This includes people covering their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and washing their hands regularly.
There have been 492 cases of whooping cough detected in South Australia this year, compared to 48 cases recorded in 2023 (file image)
“Please stay home from work or school if you are sick to prevent spreading diseases like whooping cough to others,” Professor Spurrier said.
The disease is highly contagious and will likely infect most people who come into close contact with a sick person.
Whooping cough usually begins with typical flu symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and mild fever.
A dry, persistent cough usually lasts for a week and the frequency of the cough produces a “whooping” sound.
Severe cases can cause pneumonia, nose, eye or brain bleeding, and some children may also suffer brain damage.