Whooping Cough Cases Triple in Queensland

Queensland is facing a sharp rise in whooping cough, with over 2,380 cases reported in early 2025—more than triple the average from 2020–2024. In 2024 alone, the state saw 15,012 cases, more than the total from the previous 11 years combined.

Vaccination Rates Drop

Health officials say declining vaccination rates are a major cause. Only 90.8% of one-year-olds were immunised in 2024, down from 94.4% in 2018. Among pregnant women, rates dropped from 77% in 2020 to 70% in 2023. Professor Paul Griffin of Mater Hospital Brisbane warned, “These are significantly higher figures than we’d normally expect. A drop in vaccination rates is undoubtedly a contributing factor.”

Serious Health Risks for Infants

Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause severe illness, especially in babies. One child died from it last year. “We know the disease is much more severe in unvaccinated individuals,” Griffin added. Professor Adrian Esterman noted outbreaks occur every 3–5 years but may have been delayed by COVID-19 restrictions.

Health Experts Urge Vaccination

Health leaders are urging people to get vaccinated, especially pregnant women and children. Acting Chief Health Officer Catherine McDougall said, “Vaccines save lives. Vaccinating pregnant women can reduce the risk of their babies contracting whooping cough by 75%.”

The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for children, pregnant women, and teens. Booster shots are advised every 10 years. While weekly case numbers have dropped to between 50 and 80, the disease is still spreading, and authorities stress the need for continued vigilance.