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TASMANIA has been affected by a pertussis epidemic, with the number of cases increasing in the south of the state.
Public Health Director Mark Veitch said pertussis was reported nationwide and that the most common cases in northwestern Tasmania, including around Devonport, were increasing in the south.
Public health services urge pregnant women to be vaccinated because whooping cough can be fatal in babies under six months of age.
"Vaccination helps protect the newborn before he is old enough to get his first dose of vaccine at six weeks," said Dr. Veitch.
"The vaccine is free for all pregnant women during the last trimester of each pregnancy as part of the national immunization program."
Dr. Veitch said schools report illness among students and staff, with children under 14 years being the most affected, especially those aged 5 to 9 years.
"Two hundred and thirty-nine cases of whooping cough have been reported so far in 2018, including 170 since early August – only 40 cases were reported in 2017," he said.
"The last state-wide epidemic in Tasmania dates back to 2012, with more than 1,200 cases reported."
Pertussis usually starts with cold symptoms, such as runny nose and cough, followed by a severe cough that can cause vomiting, fainting and breathing difficulties.
The symptoms may be milder in people recently vaccinated against whooping cough.
"People of all ages can catch and spread pertussis, but babies are at greater risk if they get it," said Dr. Veitch. "Family and friends should be up to date with their vaccination."
The pertussis vaccine is provided free of charge as part of the national immunization program for infants aged 2, 4 and 6 months.
The first dose can be given at six weeks, with booster doses at 18 months, four years and the seventh year at school.
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