Growing whooping cough epidemic

New Zealand is in the early stages of a whooping cough epidemic, with health agencies coordinating a national response.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand reports that cases have been steadily increasing since September, with 263 cases recorded in the past four weeks—the highest four-week total in 2024. Officials have now declared the situation an epidemic, warning it could persist for a year or more.

Dr. Nicholas Jones, Director of Public Health, explained that the epidemic poses the greatest risk to babies too young to be vaccinated or whose immunisations are delayed. Māori and Pacific babies are expected to be most affected. Dr. Jones emphasised the importance of vaccinations for pregnant mothers, which significantly reduce the number of severe cases.

Even in countries with high vaccination rates, whooping cough epidemics occur every few years. However, timely vaccinations during pregnancy and early infancy greatly lower the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Dr. Susan Jack, National Clinical Director, noted that about half of babies under 12 months who catch whooping cough require hospital care, and a small number of those cases can be fatal.

To combat the epidemic, health officials are urging pregnant women to get the free and safe pertussis vaccine from 16 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine protects not only the mother but also her newborn. Dr. Jack reminded New Zealanders that tackling the epidemic will require sustained effort, as outbreaks like this often last for many months.