Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough is On the Rise in Victoria: Here’s How to Protect Your Family
Cases of whooping cough (pertussis) are rapidly increasing in Victoria. In fact, 2024 has already seen more than 10 times the number of cases compared to last year! Children aged 9-12 make up almost 40% of these cases. But it’s infants under 6 months who are most at risk of serious illness, and they’re too young to be fully vaccinated. That’s why protecting them from older kids and adults is so important.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough starts like a regular cold—with a runny nose, tiredness, a mild fever, and a dry cough. But after a week or two, the cough can get worse and last for more than 10 weeks! In younger kids, you might hear a high-pitched “whoop” when they breathe in after coughing, or they might even vomit after a coughing fit.
For babies under 6 months, the symptoms can be more serious. They might stop breathing for a few seconds, turn blue, or choke. In teens and adults, it often just shows up as a long-lasting cough, but they can still spread the illness without even knowing it.
How Does It Spread?
Whooping cough spreads through tiny droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. People can spread the disease for up to 21 days after symptoms start, or until they’ve taken antibiotics for 5 days.
How Can You Protect Your Family?
Vaccination is the best way to protect against whooping cough. Even if someone who’s vaccinated gets sick, their symptoms will be less severe, and they’re less likely to pass it on to others.
The National Immunisation Program offers free whooping cough vaccines to:
- Children under 4 years old
- Kids in Year 7 (or the same age)
- Pregnant women
If you or your child has any symptoms of whooping cough, see your GP, a Primary Priority Care Centre, or your local hospital right away.
Some providers may charge a consultation or administration fee for immunisation, make sure you ask your provider if there is a fee when you book.
Act Now to Protect Your Loved Ones
With whooping cough cases on the rise, now’s the time to check if your family’s up to date with their vaccines. Vaccination doesn’t just protect you—it protects the youngest and most vulnerable in your family.
Want to learn more? Whooping cough (Pertussis) – Better Health Channel to get the latest information.
- ADDRESS
Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit
219-225 Wyndham Street
Shepparton, 3630
- CONTACT
Emergency: 000
Public Health Unit Hotline: 1800 313 070
Nurse on call: 1300 60 60 24
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