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Queensland Faces Unprecedented Surge in Whooping Cough Cases: A Wake-Up Call for Vaccination
What initially looked like a typical seasonal increase in respiratory illness quickly spiraled into a serious health crisis in Queensland.
Whooping cough—also known as pertussis—has surged to levels unseen in over a decade, triggering alarm among medical experts and public health officials alike.
A Dramatic and Disturbing Spike
In the first few months of 2025 alone, Queensland has reported 2,384 cases of whooping cough—more than triple the average annual figures recorded between 2020 and 2024.
The state’s total case count in 2024 hit an astounding 15,012, eclipsing the combined total from the previous 11 years.
Such numbers are far from mere statistical blips. They signal a troubling resurgence of a disease once believed to be under control, prompting urgent questions: Why is whooping cough making such a comeback? And how much of this resurgence is linked to declining immunisation rates post-pandemic?
Vaccination Gaps and Lingering Risks
Health authorities point to a clear culprit: a notable dip in vaccination coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by a general relaxation in hygiene practices. These factors have created fertile ground for pertussis to spread—especially endangering infants and young children, for whom the disease can be devastating.
One tragic reminder of the stakes involved: last year, a young child succumbed to complications from whooping cough.
Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, stressed the gravity of the situation:
“These numbers are unprecedented. The decline in vaccine uptake is a key driver of this outbreak, and unvaccinated individuals bear the brunt of severe illness.”
The Numbers Tell a Story
Vaccination rates among Queensland’s toddlers have fallen from a robust 94.4% in 2018 to 90.8% in 2024. Meanwhile, immunisation during pregnancy—a critical shield for newborns—has slipped from about 77% in 2020 down to around 70% in 2023.
Whooping cough isn’t just a nuisance cough. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death in severe cases.
Professor Adrian Esterman of the University of South Australia offers historical context:
“Pertussis outbreaks in Australia generally follow a three to five-year cycle. This current outbreak, delayed by COVID-related lockdowns and social distancing, was anticipated between 2020 and 2022—but the delay means susceptibility has now built up in the community.”
A Call for Action
Experts and officials are united in urging renewed efforts to boost vaccination rates. Acting Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall highlighted the lifesaving power of immunisation:
“Vaccines remain our most effective tool. Immunising pregnant women can reduce the risk of pertussis in babies by up to 75%.”
Though weekly whooping cough case numbers have dropped somewhat—averaging 50 to 80 in recent weeks—the disease is far from gone. Public health officials warn that ongoing vigilance and immunisation are crucial to protecting the community.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Queensland offers free whooping cough vaccines through the National Immunisation Program, targeting:
- Pregnant women, to protect newborns before birth
- Infants at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months
- Adolescents aged 12 to 19
- Adults with booster shots recommended every ten years
In Summary
Queensland’s record-breaking whooping cough outbreak is a stark reminder that infectious diseases can rapidly regain a foothold when vaccination coverage declines. The post-pandemic drop in immunisation has left vulnerable populations, particularly infants and expectant mothers, at heightened risk.
The resurgence of pertussis underscores a vital truth: maintaining high vaccination rates isn’t just a personal health choice—it’s a community safeguard. As whooping cough continues to circulate, timely immunisation is the frontline defense to protect lives and prevent further spread.