Tasmanians are being urged to protect young babies from whooping cough as case numbers rise across the state.
So far this year, 72 cases have been reported to the Department of Health, compared to five in the same period in 2023 and none in 2022.
Acting Director of Public Health Dr Scott McKeown said the rise in whooping cough, also known as pertussis, cases was expected and is in line with trends in other states and territories.
“The last time we saw a rise in cases of whooping cough in Tasmania was late 2018 to early 2020,” he said.
“Babies under six months are at greatest risk from whooping cough and sadly sometimes deaths do occur in this age group.”
A rise in cases comes every three to five years due to “reduced community immunity”, Dr McKeown said.
Symptoms often start like other respiratory illnesses, including runny nose, mild fever and cough and progress into worse coughing fits, vomiting or a gasping breath that causes a ‘whoop’ sound.
“If you have symptoms suggestive of whooping cough or you know you have been in contact with someone who has whooping cough, you should see your GP for testing and treatment if required,” McKeown said.