Surge in Whooping Cough Cases Alarms Queensland Health Authorities

Queensland is experiencing a significant spike in whooping cough cases, with over 2,380 infections reported in the first few months of 2025—more than triple the average from 2020 to 2024.

In 2024 alone, the state recorded 15,012 cases of the disease—more than the combined total of the previous 11 years. Health experts attribute this alarming rise to declining immunisation rates since the COVID-19 pandemic and poor personal hygiene.

The disease poses a serious threat to young children, with one child dying from the infection last year.

Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Hospital Brisbane, expressed concern over the growing numbers.

“These are significantly higher figures than we’d normally expect,” he said. “A drop in vaccination rates is undoubtedly a contributing factor. We know the disease is much more severe in unvaccinated individuals.”

According to Queensland Health, only 90.8% of one-year-olds were vaccinated against whooping cough in 2024, down from 94.4% in 2018. Vaccination rates among pregnant women also declined—from about 77% in 2020 to 70% in 2023.

Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and death.

Professor Adrian Esterman, a biostatistics and epidemiology expert at the University of South Australia, noted that such outbreaks typically occur every three to five years. However, the current surge was likely delayed by pandemic-related restrictions.

He and other health authorities are urging the public to get vaccinated. Acting Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall stressed the importance of immunisation, particularly for infants and expectant mothers.

“Vaccines save lives,” she said. “Vaccinating pregnant women can reduce the risk of their babies contracting whooping cough by 75%. That’s why it’s vital for pregnant women to be immunised.”

Although weekly case numbers have fallen recently to between 50 and 80, the infection continues to circulate in the community, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance.

The whooping cough vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women and children at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, as well as for adolescents aged 12 to 19. Booster doses are recommended every ten years.