Local health experts are warning parents of school aged children to be on the lookout for symptoms of whooping cough as the weather warms up.
South Western Sydney Local Health District’s Public Health Director Dr Stephen Conaty said this year had seen a steep increase in cases and more were expected through the spring and summer months.
There were 4.3 times more cases of whooping cough (or pertussis) in Liverpool in 2015, compared with 2014. (For every one person infected with petussis in 2014, there were four people in 2015).
Since the beginning of 2015, 126 people have been diagnosed with whooping cough in Liverpool, compared with 29 cases in 2014.
“Whooping cough usually begins like a cold with a blocked or runny nose and a cough which becomes increasingly irritating and persistent,” Dr Conaty said.
“In babies and young children long bouts or fits of coughing can be extremely distressing and in severe cases can interfere with breathing. Severe cases of whooping cough need hospital admission.
“It is extremely important that babies are vaccinated against whooping cough on time,” Dr Conaty said.
Babies need to be immunised at two months, four months and six months, with booster shots to be administered at 4 years of age and in high school.
“The first dose can be given as early as 6 weeks of age.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]”A booster is also now recommended for women who are in the third trimester of their pregnancy, which will provide protection to newborn babies. This is offered through GPs and at antenatal clinics.[/social_quote]
“It is important that if you suspect you or your child has whooping cough you get a proper diagnosis from your GP.
“The throat swab test is very simple and accurate and treatment with antibiotics shortens the period of time that you are infectious.
“If you have whooping cough, it’s best that you don’t attend work or school until after five days of antibiotic treatment. It is equally as important for people who have a cough illness to not to be around babies or women in the late stages of pregnancy,” Dr Conaty said.
For more information visit the pertussis website here.
