The Darling Downs is currently experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, posing a health risk to the community, particularly vulnerable infants.
In babies and infants this highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as pertussis, can lead to severe complications, including hospitalisation and even death.
There have been 755 reported cases on the Darling Downs so far in 2024, compared to 49 for the entirety of 2023. Vaccination, free during pregnancy and for many children, is the most effective way to reduce the risk of whooping cough.
Pregnant women are recommended to receive a whooping cough vaccine each pregnancy to reduce the risk of their baby becoming seriously ill with whooping cough.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 29 August 2024.
