Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Click here to be notified by email when Infectious Disease entries are added, or updated.

New Zealand is currently experiencing a national whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic. The last national epidemic spanned August 2011 to December 2013.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly infectious disease that is spread by coughing and sneezing. It’s caused by bacteria which damage the breathing tubes. Whooping cough can be very serious for babies and children – especially those under 1 year old. Immunisation is the best way to prevent whooping cough.

Please click on the links below for more information: