Whooping Cough Concerns High in Bay of Plenty

Whooping cough affects all ages

Te Whatu Ora reports local clinicians are growing increasingly concerned regarding an active whooping cough epidemic across New Zealand.

In the last 5 months, the Eastern Bay has seen 11 hospitalisations resulting from the infection, which is the region's highest total in a single year since 2010.

Clinicians say that there is widespread infection of cases within households and extended whanau. They also believe that there are a significant number of cases that go unreported.

Tauranga based Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jim Miller said what worries them is the effect of the illness on young people.

Children under 12 months who contract whooping cough are more at risk due to the small size of their airways, exacerbating the breathing difficulty caused by the cough. Around half of pēpi under 12 months who contract the disease are hospitalised.

"We're beginning to see very sick young babies being admitted to hospital," said Dr Miller.

"With this outbreak going on for such a lengthy period of time, I think it slips from our awareness. So we're really wanting to let people know that whooping cough is still around."

Also known as the 100 day cough, whooping cough may first present itself as cold symptoms such as a runny nose and a mild cough. However, the symptoms can persist for much longer and the "whoop" cough that gives the illness its name can last for weeks or even months.

Adults who have a cough lasting more than a week or so are advised to seek medical advice so they can reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease to others.

A free whooping cough vaccine is available for pregnant women and children. Dr Miller encourages whanau to check whether their family is up to date with their vaccinations.