Amber Young

Dec 2, 2024 | newsroom.co.nz | Amber Young |Peter McIntyre

Analysis: A whooping cough epidemic was declared in Aotearoa New Zealand on November 22 – only the fourth time since the disease was made notifiable in 1996 – based on reported cases (263) being higher than any previous four-week period in 2024. But what is whooping cough, what do these numbers tell us, and what are the most important things we need to do? Although whooping cough is a respiratory infection and is very infectious it is very different to, say, measles.

Jul 23, 2024 | nzdoctor.co.nz | Peter McIntyre |Amber Young |Emma Best |Mamaeroa David |Edwin Reynolds |Michael Baker | +1 more

Summary  Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) is experiencing a marked increase in whooping cough cases. Unimmunised pēpi (infants) are the most vulnerable to severe illness and death. We recommend two key priority areas to reduce the impact of severe pertussis in our communities.