Pertussis in Australia

02 Feb 2015

An increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases has been reported in the city of Ballarat in the state of Victoria, south-east Australia. During 2014, a total of 218 pertussis cases were recorded, this compares with 27 cases in 2013. Thus far in 2015, a total of 9 cases have been reported.

There has been an increase of 57.7% in pertussis cases in the state of Victoria as a whole, during 2014. The number has risen from 2916 cases in 2013, to 4615 cases in 2014.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of pertussis vaccine in accordance with the UK schedule. The JCVI recommends pertussis boosters for pregnant women, but not for other adults in the UK.