Queensland Faces Alarming Spike in Whooping Cough Cases Amid Falling Vaccination Rates
Queensland health officials are sounding urgent warnings as whooping cough infections surge dramatically in early 2025.
With over 2,380 new cases reported in just the first months—more than triple the average yearly numbers seen over the past decade—experts fear a mounting public health crisis fueled by declining immunisation and complacency.
A Preventable Threat Reemerges
Once largely kept in check by routine vaccination programs, whooping cough (pertussis) has made a startling comeback. The state recorded a staggering 15,012 confirmed cases throughout 2024, exceeding the combined total from the previous 11 years.
Health authorities attribute this surge primarily to reduced vaccination uptake following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside weakened adherence to hygiene measures.
Tragically, the resurgence has already claimed the life of a young child last year, highlighting the severe risks posed by the disease, especially to infants and vulnerable populations.
Experts Call for Renewed Focus on Vaccination
Professor Paul Griffin, Infectious Diseases Director at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, expressed deep concern over the outbreak’s scale. “These infection rates are unprecedented in recent years,” Griffin explained. “Lower vaccination coverage is clearly a critical factor—unvaccinated individuals are at significantly higher risk of serious complications.”
Queensland Health data reveals a troubling drop in whooping cough immunisation: vaccination among one-year-olds fell from 94.4% in 2018 to just 90.8% in 2024. Among pregnant women, coverage also declined—from around 77% in 2020 to 70% in 2023—leaving many newborns vulnerable to infection during their most fragile weeks.
Understanding the Resurgence
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe illness, including pneumonia and brain damage. While outbreaks typically occur every three to five years, Professor Adrian Esterman, an epidemiologist at the University of South Australia, suggests that COVID-era health restrictions may have delayed the usual cycle—potentially making this resurgence more intense.
A Call to Action for Community Immunity
Acting Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall stressed the lifesaving power of vaccination. “Immunising pregnant women reduces the risk of newborns contracting whooping cough by 75%. Keeping babies and mothers protected through timely vaccines is essential,” she said.
Although weekly infection rates have recently dipped to between 50 and 80 cases, whooping cough remains a significant threat within Queensland communities, requiring continued vigilance.
Vaccine Access and Recommendations
The whooping cough vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program for infants at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, for adolescents aged 12 to 19, and for pregnant women. Booster shots are recommended every decade to maintain protection.
Conclusion: Protecting Queensland’s Future
The recent surge in whooping cough cases is a stark reminder of the crucial role vaccination plays in safeguarding public health. With thousands already affected and immunisation rates slipping, health officials urge Queenslanders to act now—ensuring children, expectant mothers, and teenagers stay current with their vaccines. Ultimately, vaccination is more than an individual choice; it’s a collective shield that protects the most vulnerable and helps prevent potentially deadly outbreaks.