The West Coast currently has the highest rates of whooping cough (pertussis) in New Zealand, more than three times higher than the national rate.
There have been 28 cases reported so far this year, seven of which were in the last month. Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Heath for West Coast says, "These high rates are a concern, as we are now seeing cases throughout the Coast. Whooping cough is a preventable disease. If babies and young children are vaccinated, they can avoid this serious and sometimes life threatening illness".
Parents are urged to ensure their children, especially their babies, are up to date with their whooping cough vaccinations. Babies should be vaccinated at six weeks, three months and five months. Children should have booster doses at four and eleven years. These vaccinations give babies and children the best protection from whooping cough.
Babies who do not receive their immunisations on time have a five times greater risk of being hospitalised with whooping cough. Young babies under one year are also most at risk of serious complications from it, including death.
To help in avoiding whooping cough and other illnesses, parents should keep young babies away from anyone with a cough. Adults and older children with coughs may have unrecognised whooping cough and are often the source of infection for babies.
Whooping cough symptoms start with a runny nose and dry cough. Coughing gets worse over the next few weeks developing into attacks of coughing. The 'whoop' sound occurs as babies draw a breath after a long coughing attack. Babies might go blue or stop breathing during coughing attacks. Older children and adults may not 'whoop'; they may just have a cough. Babies, children and some adults may vomit after coughing attacks.
If anyone has a cough that lasts for more than a week or is severe (especially if there are any symptoms suggesting whooping cough) they should see their doctor.
If parents or caregivers have any questions about whooping cough they can call the Immunisation Advisory Centre free on 0800 466863 or visit the Whooping Cough (Pertussis) page on the Immunisation Advisory Centre website.
For all further inquiries about having your baby or child immunised, contact your General Practice.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email:
or
Dr Cheryl Brunton
Medical Officer of Health, West Coast
Community and Public Health
3 Tarapuhi Street
PO Box 443
Greymouth
Phone: (03) 768-1160
Fax: (03) 768-1169