People suffering from a persistent cough are being urged to seek medical attention as the whooping cough epidemic continues to spread – with the Eastern Bay among the hardest-hit regions in the Bay of Plenty.

In just five months, 11 people – mostly infants – have been hospitalised in the Eastern Bay due to pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

It’s the highest number of hospitalisations in a single year for the region since 2010.

Health authorities say the region is reporting a disproportionate number of cases compared to the rest of the Bay of Plenty, and the true number is likely even higher due to underreporting.

“We continue to receive notifications of whooping cough cases from the Eastern Bay and from other parts of the region,” said Dr Jim Miller, pictured, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health.

“We know whooping cough is out there and we know it can be very serious, particularly for young children under the age of one.

“Half of all infants who have whooping cough can end up requiring hospital care.”

Dr Miller said many families were unaware the outbreak was still active, even as the Eastern Bay continues to outpace the Western Bay in case numbers.

Over the past year, there have been 83 confirmed cases in the Eastern Bay compared to 65 in the Western Bay.

Whooping cough often begins with cold-like symptoms – such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild fever – before developing into a persistent, uncontrollable cough.

In young children, the coughing can be so intense it causes vomiting or leads to a high-pitched “whoop” sound as they gasp for air.

“It’s an extremely unpleasant illness in babies,” Dr Miller said.

Some babies become so exhausted from coughing they stop eating and start to lose weight.

“If this happens parents should be concerned and should call the Healthline, 0800611116, which is free 24/7, or they should contact the doctor for advice.”

Adults and older children may experience milder symptoms but can still spread the illness unknowingly, especially if they delay seeking medical care.

Dr Miller emphasised that immunisation remained the most effective way to prevent whooping cough – especially for infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

“The best protection for babies is for their mother to be vaccinated during pregnancy,” he said.

This provides critical protection in those first few weeks of life, before a baby can receive their first vaccine at six weeks old.

He urged parents not to delay childhood vaccinations and to ensure tamariki receive their booster shots on time. Adults and older children can also get booster doses to maintain immunity, which fades over time.

Immunity to whooping cough isn’t lifelong, Dr Miller said, and was part of the reason we see a resurgence in whooping cough roughly every four to five years –  like the epidemic now.

Key messages:
■ A whooping cough epidemic is under way, including in the Eastern Bay
■ Infants under one year are at highest risk and can suffer serious complications.
■ Immunisation during pregnancy and on-time baby vaccinations are essential.
■ Seek medical attention for any persistent or unusual cough.
■ Practise good hygiene and stay home when sick to prevent spreading the illness.

What can you do
To help stop the spread of whooping cough and other respiratory illnesses:
Stay home if you or your children are unwell
■ Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably by coughing into your elbow
■ Wash hands regularly with soap and water
■ Avoid sending sick children to school or daycare
■ Get vaccinated – particularly if you are pregnant, have young children, or are due for a booster

Where to get vaccinated
Vaccinations are free for:
■ Babies and children
■ Pregnant women
■ People at higher risk of severe illness
They are available from GPs, Hauora Māori or Pacific health services, and some pharmacies.
For bookings or more information, call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 (8:30am–5pm, Monday to Friday) or visit: info.health.nz/bookavaccine. You can also speak to your GP or local hauora provider.