Page last updated
19 March 2024
Whooping cough (also called pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Epidemics in Australia usually occur every 3 to 4 years.4
FAQ
What is whooping cough (pertussis)?
Whooping cough and its complications can be serious and even life-threatening to babies. About half of babies less than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital. Sadly, 1 out of 100 babies hospitalised will die due to complications of whooping cough.5
In adults, whooping cough and complications are usually less severe, although can still result in hospitalisation, time off work and the risk of infecting vulnerable people. Adults account for half of whooping cough cases each year. 2,5
Sources & Citations
4. NCIRS. Pertussis factsheet. Available at: https://ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2019-04/pertussis-fact-sheet_April%202019_Final.pdf (accessed 28 March 2022).
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pertussis Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/complications.html (accessed 28 March 2022).
MAT-AU-2200966 Date of preparation June 2024
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