Central Otago Pertussis Outbreak Over

1 December 2015

Central Otago Pertussis Outbreak Over

Public Health South has confirmed the recent outbreak of pertussis in the Central Otago District is now over.

Between the last week of July and the end of November this year, 117 cases were classified as pertussis. Most of these were in the Wanaka and Hawea region.

“The outbreak peaked in August, but continued through to the end of September with an ongoing increase in notifications,” says Southern DHB Public Health Physician, Dr Naomi Gough.

“Over half of the notifications were children but Public Health South is not aware of anyone becoming seriously unwell. Nevertheless, pertussis should be taken seriously. Prior to immunisation, pertussis was a major cause of infant mortality.”

Rates of pertussis returned to their normal background levels for Otago and Southland around early October and have remained there since. Pertussis is always circulating in the community, so cases to continue to be notified. However the significant transmission of pertussis that occurs during an outbreak has settled.

“We would like to thank the communities and general practices all around Otago and Southland for their proactive response to this outbreak, especially for the efforts of Wanaka and Hawea. Large numbers of people took the opportunity to get themselves vaccinated to protect infants and other people at high risk of serious illness, such as the immunocompromised and pregnant women.

“General practices consulted many people with symptoms and assisted in protecting the wider community by vaccinating many others. These efforts along with people staying away when unwell have certainly assisted in promptly containing this outbreak.”

Dr Gough says immunity to pertussis is not lifelong and while this outbreak is now considered over, it is important to remain vigilant.

“Historically national outbreaks have occurred in four to five yearly cycles, which is thought to be linked to waning immunity across the population. Pertussis does circulate in the community and while adults who catch the disease may only have a mild illness, they can pass it on to others. For this reason it is recommended that all children keep up to date with their immunisations and adults who have regular contact with high risk people get boosters.”

ENDS

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