Whooping cough strikes on Border

More than 30 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Albury since the start of the year, compared to just one for the same period in 2008.

In Wodonga, the number of cases have increased by three to five, while Wangaratta has seen a jump from one to 15.

Greater Southern Area Health Service director of public health Tracey Oakman yesterday warned of the dangers of whooping cough following the death of a young girl on the NSW north coast earlier this year.

“Across NSW we’ve seen an outbreak of more serious proportions than swine flu,” she said.

“We have had a death from whooping cough this year and we haven’t had one from swine flu.

“So everyone needs to be aware that it isn’t a disease that’s disappeared — it’s here and now and it is a serious concern.”

Ms Oakman said cases of whooping cough were being seen in all age groups, with a high rate of incidence among children under the age of five.

She said it is more serious in small children and could result in death.

Older children may be less affected by the illness, with bouts of coughing that continue for several weeks regardless of treatment.

Ms Oakman said whooping cough was a highly contagious bacterial disease readily spread by droplets from coughing.

To help protect babies, free vaccinations were available for children aged two, four and six months from local general practitioners.

Free booster vaccinations are also being offered to the carers of newborn babies.

“Whooping cough can be life-threatening and many of the cases we are seeing are in unimmunised people,” Ms Oakman said.

“Immunisation is one way parents can protect their children and I encourage parents to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.”

Anyone who has a cough for three or more days should stay home from work, school or child care and consult their doctor.