Australia is experiencing a significant rise in cases of whooping cough, prompting urgent calls for vaccinations from health authorities. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) reported that the number of infections has reached its highest level since 1991, with over 57,000 cases documented last year. This alarming trend has led the AMA to label the current outbreak as “extremely concerning.”
In a statement released on Saturday, AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen emphasized the importance of vigilance in combating the disease. “We can’t afford to be complacent,” she stated. “Each year, thousands of lives are lost to respiratory diseases like whooping cough — and we all have a role to play in preventing their spread. Vaccination remains our most powerful defense.”
The Australian Government’s National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard has indicated that almost 19,000 cases of whooping cough have already been reported this year. There is a particular concentration of infections in regions such as Queensland, the Kimberly region of Western Australia, and South Australia.
Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is characterized by severe and uncontrollable coughing fits. The AMA is urging pregnant women, parents, and caregivers to seek vaccinations, as the disease poses a significant risk to newborns and young children.
Dr. McMullen expressed concern that vaccination rates are currently below target levels. “Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can protect your loved ones and your community,” she said. “We must not lose sight of the fact that immunization saves lives.”
As Australia grapples with this public health crisis, the AMA continues to advocate for increased awareness and access to vaccinations. The organization stresses that collective action is essential in controlling the spread of whooping cough and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
