Immunise now as whopping cough is on the rise

Pregnant people, hapū māma, babies/pēpi, children and others at high risk from whooping cough are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. A whooping cough epidemic was declared for Aotearoa New Zealand on 22nd November 2024. A nationally coordinated response now in place.

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly contagious illness that can be particularly dangerous for babies, with cases rising across the motu over the past months to high levels.

The latest figures from ESR show 77 cases were reported across the motu last week (ending 29th November 2024). This includes four hospitalised cases, of which three were under the age of one. That brings the total number of whooping cough cases for 2024 to 1,009 – with 63 aged under 12 months. Almost three-quarters (46) of these infants were hospitalised.

“We are most concerned for newborn babies who are too young to be vaccinated. This is why it so vitally important for pregnant people and hapū māma to be vaccinated. This is recommended from 16 weeks of pregnancy as the best and safest way to protect their baby from this serious, and sadly, sometimes fatal disease,” says Dr Susan Jack – National Clinical Director Protection at the National Public Health Service.

• Find out more about whooping cough (Health NZ).

Getting immunised for whooping cough

Infants and young children also need be protected by being kept up to date with their pertussis immunisations, which are due at ages 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months, and again at 4 years. A further booster is given at age 11 years (school year 7) – though it’s never too late for children to catch up on their vaccinations.

“Vaccinations are FREE for all children aged under 18 – including visitors to New Zealand regardless of their citizenship. Adults are eligible for one FREE booster from age 45 (if they have not had four previous tetanus doses), and can get one FREE from age 65.

“It’s also a good reminder that children particularly need to be kept up to date with all of their vaccinations, such as measles, mumps and rubella too – and not just pertussis,” Dr Jack says. “Now is a great time to check that you, your whānau and tamariki are up to date with all of your immunisations.”

The FREE whooping cough vaccine can be given at your GP, Hauora Māori, Pacific health service, or at some pharmacies.

• Book your whooping cough vaccination online, or call 0800 28 29 26 for more information or assistance (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday).
• Find out more about the whooping cough vaccination.

Signs and symptoms of whooping cough to look out for

Whooping cough is highly infectious and is spread by coughing and sneezing. It’s caused by bacteria which damage the breathing tubes.
The symptoms usually appear around a week after infection.

Pertussis tends to develop in 3 stages. The initial (catarrhal) stage is when people are most infectious. It lasts for 1 or 2 weeks, and symptoms include:

• a runny nose;
• sneezing;
• slight fever;
• a mild irritating cough; and
• feeling generally unwell.

The main symptom of  the second (paroxysmal) stage is coughing fits (paroxysms). This is a spasm of coughing followed by a big breath in or high-pitched ‘whoop’ in children. Babies and adults generally don’t have the high-pitched ‘whoop’. This stage usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks but can persist for up to 10 weeks, with the following symptoms:

• intense bouts of coughing, which bring up thick phlegm;
• a ‘whoop’ sound with each sharp intake of breath after coughing;
• vomiting after coughing, especially in infants and young children;
• tiredness and redness in the face from the effort of coughing; and
• babies and young children often appear very ill, and may turn blue and vomit from coughing so much.

The cough gradually gets better during the third (recovery) stage, and the cough disappears after several weeks. However you may still get coughing fits whenever you get a respiratory infection like a cold for months.

• Find out more about whooping cough (Health NZ).

See your doctor if you think you or a family member may have whooping cough, particularly if they:

• have prolonged coughing spasms;
• turn blue while coughing;
• cough with a whooping sound; and
• are not vaccinated.

You should seek immediate medical advice if:

• you have a baby of 6 months or younger who appears to be very ill;
• you (or your child) appear to be experiencing significant breathing difficulties such as extended periods of breathlessness; or
• you (or your child) develop serious complications, such as seizures (fits) or pneumonia (an infection that causes inflammation of the tissues in your lungs).

Babies under the age of one who get pertussis are more likely to become seriously ill and need hospital treatment.

Adapted from: Health NZ media releases (October and November 2024).

Protect yourself against Legionnaires’ disease

Warmer weather in spring and daylight saving brings many New Zealanders out into the garden. It’s also unfortunately the time when gardeners are most at risk of catching Legionnaires’ disease from bags or bulk loads of potting mix and compost.

Gardeners are being urged to take care with potting mix and compost – with 108 cases of the disease already confirmed across the country this year.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton, says Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia.

“It’s caused by the Legionella bacteria that live in moist organic material and people can catch the disease by breathing in airborne droplets or particles containing the bacteria.

“Gardeners are at particularly high risk of catching Legionnaires’ disease as the bacteria thrive in potting mix and compost,” says Dr Reid.

In Canterbury there is typically a spike in cases in spring that can be attributed to increased gardening activity and good weather. Now is the time for people to make sure they are taking the necessary steps to avoid catching the disease.

There are some simple actions gardeners should take to avoid getting Legionnaires’ disease:

1. Always work outside. Find a well-ventilated outdoor area and preferably with light winds.
2. Wear a well-fitting face mask. An N95 or respirator is best.
3. Wear gloves when handling potting mix or compost.
4. Cut – don’t rip. Carefully open bags of compost or potting mix with scissors and away from your face.
5. Compost dry? Damp it down. This will reduce dust.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Do this after handling potting mix or compost and before touching your face or removing your mask.

“Legionnaires’ disease is a very serious illness and following these simple steps can be lifesaving,” says Dr Matt Reid.

The illness may be mild but can sometimes be fatal. It is more common in older people, particularly if they smoke, have poor immunity or a chronic illness. However, even healthy young people have died from Legionella pneumonia.

• Find out more about keeping yourself safe when gardening [1.47MB PDF].
• Download a poster about keeping yourself safe from Legionnaires’ Disease [114KB PDF].

Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease to look out for

Symptoms of the disease can include a ‘flu-like’ illness with:

• dry coughing;
• high fever;
• chills;
• shortness of breath;
• muscle aches;
• headaches; and
• diarrhoea.

Anyone who has these symptoms should see their general practice team immediately for advice, and let them know they have been handling potting mix or compost recently.

• Get more information about Legionnaire’s disease (Health NZ).