Whooping cough stats spark advice

Parents are being urged to check their children are fully immunised against whooping cough after a surge in cases late last year.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service says notifications of the disease, also known as pertussis, in the Auckland Region were up to around 30 in November, compared to 12 in August and 17 in October.

There were 30 notified cases in December, and a further 7 cases were reported by 19 January. Whooping cough has also reached Waiheke, with one notified case between 1 December and 19 January.

Medical Officer of Health for Auckland Regional Public Health Service Denise Barnfather says pertussis numbers peak in three to five year cycles in New Zealand, which is "similar to many other countries".

"New Zealand had large peaks in notifications in the years 2000 and 2004, with a much smaller peak in 2009. Notifications have been rising again since May 2011."

Dr Barnfather says many cases occur in unimmunised children and adults.

"It is important to ensure children receive pertussis vaccinations on time. Adults should consider being reimmunised against pertussis as immunity wanes after five to six years. For the most effective protection, the pertussis vaccinations should be given at the recommended times – at six weeks, three months and five months, and with boosters given at four years and 11 years of age."

Parents are also advised to keep babies away from anyone with a cough.

"Adults and older children with non-specific coughs may have unrecognised whooping cough and are often the source of infection for babies."

Whooping cough immunisation is free for babies and children but not adults.

If a child is not age appropriately immunised, or you are unsure of their immunisation status, see your doctor or practice nurse to discuss vaccination, Dr Barnfather says.

- Waiheke Marketplace