Department of Health Warning for parents and families.

Increasing Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Cases

MAIN POINTS

• The Department of Health, Victoria has issued a health alert, Increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Victoria.

• The key messages are:

       o cases of pertussis are increasing in Victoria, mostly affecting children aged 10-12 years

       o pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life threatening infections in babies

       o symptoms of pertussis may be very similar to other respiratory infections, especially in the early stages, meaning diagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible is             important.