Australia Battles Whooping Cough Surge: The Urgent Need for Vaccination

Australia is experiencing a significant rise in whooping cough cases in 2024, with incidents already six times higher than in 2023. The disease, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, severely affects infants. Experts attribute the surge to waning immunity post-COVID measures. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.

Australia faces a substantial increase in whooping cough cases in 2024, with reports indicating more than 17,000 incidents so far. The numbers already surpass the entire tally for 2023 by six times, raising alarms across multiple states.

Particularly alarming is the rise in cases among young infants, who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes and death. Western Australia has reported a significant surge in its south-western regions.

Experts attribute the spike to reduced exposure to infections during COVID-19 lockdowns and waning immunity over time. Public health officials emphasize the need for immunization, especially among pregnant women and health-care workers, to protect the most vulnerable populations.

(With inputs from agencies.)