There has been a significant increase in pertussis cases across the motu since the beginning of May. Te Whatu Ora is asking healthcare professionals to be on alert.
Epidemics of pertussis have continued to occur every 3-5 years, with the last national outbreak in Aotearoa New Zealand beginning in late 2017 and continuing through 2018. This means there is a higher likelihood of an outbreak occurring.
Thirty-six cases of pertussis nationally have been notified to the National Public Health Service (NPHS) in the last two weeks of May alone, the largest number of cases since the month of August 2023 (34 cases).
The latest notified cases also represent a marked increase in cases since the beginning of the year, with 4 cases notified in January 2024.
ESR dashboard reporting shows cases continue to occur widely across the motu, with all regions experiencing increases in case numbers at different times, contributing to an overall ‘upwards trend’ in cases in recent weeks.
Cases to date have been spread across ages ranging from 1 to 65 years, and across most ethnicities.
Pertussis can be particularly severe for babies, and they may require hospital care.
High-risk groups include:
Follow the guidance available on Health Pathways for antibiotic treatment of symptomatic and high priority contacts. Guidance is also available in the Communicable Diseases Manual.
The recommended prophylactic antibiotics and dosages are the same for case treatment and prophylaxis for high-risk contacts.
Please notify suspected cases of pertussis to your local Public Health Service.
Additional information about pertussis.
Downloadable immunisation collateral for providers about pertussis.
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