SDHB warns of epidemic

The Southern District Health Board is warning parents and schools about a national outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough.

It sent a notice to all principals and head teachers in Southland last week, warning of the bacterial illness, which is highly infectious.

The notice has been distributed to parents in school newsletters.

Board medical officer of health Dr Keith Reid said Public Health South has been notified of 28 probable and confirmed cases of whooping cough in the Southland region, involving patients of all ages.

‘‘These are elevated over the normal non-epidemic levels of pertussis in the communities but have not yet reached the levels seen at the peak of the last national epidemic.’’

By comparison, from November 1, 2012, to February 19, 2013, there were 45 probable and confirmed cases in Southland.

People are infectious for 21 days from the onset of the runny nose.

Whooping cough starts with a runny nose and slight fever for a few days before a persistent cough starts, which may have a ‘‘whoop’’ sound.

‘‘People are infectious for 21 days from the onset of the runny nose and should stay home if they are sick.’’

Treatment with antibiotics within the 21 days does stop the contagion, but may not prevent the persistent cough.

The Ministry of Health declared a national outbreak in November 2017.

Reid said nationally there was a definite epidemic in the amount of cases but it might be peaking.

Pregnant women should be immunised in the final trimester of pregnancy to provide protection to their newborn, and infants should get vaccinated on time at six weeks, three months and five months.

Children aged 11 to 12 years should get their Boostrix vaccination, which is due at that age and protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Those most at risk of complications of whooping cough are infants under one year, who may be too young to be fully vaccinated.