Whooping Cough Cases Surge Alarm Queensland Health Officials
Queensland is facing a sharp and worrying rise in whooping cough infections, with over 2,380 cases reported just in the first few months of 2025 — more than triple the average seen between 2020 and 2024. Last year alone, the state recorded a staggering 15,012 cases — surpassing the combined total of the previous 11 years.
Health experts warn this dramatic spike is largely driven by falling vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, along with lapses in personal hygiene. The resurgence of this highly contagious respiratory disease is particularly dangerous for young children, with one child tragically losing their life to whooping cough last year.
Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Hospital Brisbane, expressed serious concern:
“These numbers are far above what we typically expect. The drop in vaccination coverage is a key factor — we know unvaccinated individuals face much higher risks of severe illness.”
Data from Queensland Health reveals that in 2024, only 90.8% of one-year-olds were vaccinated against whooping cough, a decline from 94.4% in 2018. Vaccination rates among pregnant women also dipped—from around 77% in 2020 to just 70% in 2023.
Whooping cough can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and even death, making prevention critical.
Professor Adrian Esterman, an expert in biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of South Australia, explained that while outbreaks typically cycle every three to five years, the current surge was likely postponed due to pandemic restrictions:
“This resurgence was somewhat inevitable once those protective measures eased,” he said.
Health officials are urging the community to prioritize vaccination. Acting Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall emphasized:
“Vaccines save lives. Immunizing pregnant women reduces the risk of their babies catching whooping cough by 75%. It’s absolutely vital for expectant mothers to get vaccinated.”
Though weekly cases have recently dropped to between 50 and 80, the infection remains active in the community, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance.
The whooping cough vaccine is freely available through the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, children at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, and adolescents aged 12 to 19. Booster shots are recommended every ten years to maintain protection.
