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Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Outbreak Information

Important Update: Pertussis Outbreak in Bright

We are currently experiencing an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in our town. As this highly contagious disease spreads, we want to provide you with key information to help you understand the situation, reduce the risk of transmission, and guide you through testing, treatment, and prevention.

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Pertussis and infectious disease outbreaks are managed by the local public health units which in our area is the Ovens and Murray PHU email phu@awh.org.au or phone 02 6048 1000.

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects the respiratory system, causing severe coughing fits that can last for weeks. The disease is most dangerous for infants and young children, but it can affect people of all ages. Infected individuals may experience:

  • Severe coughing fits (often with a "whooping" sound)

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Fever (often low-grade)

  • Exhaustion from coughing fits

How is Pertussis Spread?

Pertussis is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People with pertussis are most contagious in the early stages of the disease before they develop severe coughing.

Key Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Persistent cough lasting more than a week

  • Difficulty breathing or gasping for air

  • Vomiting after coughing fits

  • Exhaustion from constant coughing

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If you or someone in your family is experiencing these symptoms, particularly if they have been in close contact with someone known to have pertussis, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Testing and Diagnosis

If you suspect you or your child may have pertussis, please contact the Ovens and Murray PHU on (02) 6048 1000 or email them at phu@awh.org.au. We are currently experiencing high demand and do not have the capacity to offer testing for pertussis locally. 

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Testing for pertussis typically involves a nasopharyngeal swab, which is collected from the back of the nose and throat. Results may take a few days.

What to Do If You Have Pertussis:

  • Isolation: To help prevent the spread of pertussis, individuals diagnosed with pertussis should stay at home and avoid contact with others for 5 days after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment or until they have recovered enough that they are no longer contagious.

  • Avoid Contact with Vulnerable Individuals: People who are particularly vulnerable to severe pertussis, including infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, should be protected from exposure.

Treatment

Pertussis is treated with antibiotics, which are most effective when started early. If you are diagnosed with pertussis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and prevent further transmission.

  • Antibiotic treatment can shorten the contagious period, but it is not always effective in reducing symptoms once the cough is fully established.

  • Symptomatic treatment such as cough suppressants, hydration, and rest are essential in managing the symptoms.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with pertussis, please follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and adhere to the isolation period to protect others. If you wish to be treated with antibiotics you will need to make a telephone appt ONLY and a prescription can be sent to your phone.

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Antibiotic prophylaxis for people who have been exposed to a pertussis case may be necessary for the following groups

-women in the last month of pregnancy and their household contacts

- household contacts or carers of infants < 6months of age

- children in day-care

- childcare workers

Vaccination and Immunisation Status

Vaccination is the best protection against pertussis. The dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine is available for children and adults. It is recommended that:

  • Infants receive their first dose at 2 months, with subsequent doses at 4, 6, and 18 months.

  • Adolescents and adults, particularly those in close contact with young children, should ensure they are up to date with their booster shots.

YOU CAN CHECK YOUR CHILD’S VACCINATION STATUS ON my.gov.au

Please do NOT call the clinic as we cannot help with this information at this time

 

 

For Adults: If you are unsure of your immunisation status, or if you have not received a recent dTpa booster, we recommend getting vaccinated. It is especially important for those who live with or care for infants or pregnant women.

Please make an appointment if you would like to be vaccinated.

What You Can Do to Help Prevent the Spread

  • Get Vaccinated: Ensure that you and your family are up to date on pertussis vaccinations.

  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with others when sick.

  • Stay Home If Sick: If you or your child is exhibiting symptoms of pertussis, please stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others.

  • Contact Tracing: If you or a family member is diagnosed, please inform your close contacts so they can get tested and seek treatment if necessary.

Additional Resources

We’re Here to Help

Our clinic is working hard to manage the current outbreak, and we understand that it can be overwhelming. If you need more information, assistance with testing, or have concerns about treatment, please contact the Ovens and Murray PHU who is responsible for managing outbreaks of infectious diseases in our area on 02 6048 1000.

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Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our community safe during this outbreak. Together, we can help prevent the further spread of pertussis.

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