The continued rise in pertussis notifications is a good opportunity to urge patients to stay up to date with their vaccinations, in particular those planning a pregnancy or currently pregnant.
After decreasing from an average 12,280 per year in 2017–2019 to 3,457 in 2020 and just 550 in 2021, pertussis notifications in Australia have surged in 2024.
Over 13,000 notifications have been recorded across Australia this year, with the highest numbers seen in Queensland and New South Wales.
WA has recorded over 280 cases already this year.
Pertussis infection continues to be notifiable infectious disease in WA. More information on the current WA statutory notification alert is available on the WA Health website.
WAPHA’s immunisation team are presenting a webinar on 29 August on immunisation in pregnancy and other adults. Find out more and register here.