Pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic declared across Aotearoa
Due to ongoing high levels of pertussis cases occurring consistently across the motu over the last several weeks, the National Public Health Service and the Public Health Agency have declared a national epidemic.
Te Whatu Ora is asking healthcare professionals to please remain vigilant for people presenting with symptoms and to continue to promote vaccinations to protect vulnerable groups.
Cases have spread across the motu, affecting various age groups and ethnicities, with some hospitalisations among young babies and older people. Pertussis can be particularly severe for babies, and they may require hospital care. Many school communities across the motu are also being impacted by cases.
Please notify suspected cases of pertussis to your local Public Health Service.
Following the recent Te Whatu Ora announcement of a Pertussis national epidemic Pinnacle has compiled information and resources for practice teams.
Initially published by NZ Doctor, Jo Scott-Jones discusses what you can do to reduce the number of phone calls, prescriptions and consultations for respiratory illnesses this winter.
Read moreIn the first 10 days of 2025 there were x3 pertussis cases in Tairawhiti, x5 cases in Taranaki, x5 cases in Lakes, x6 cases in Waikato, and x18 cases in the Bay of Plenty. Please continue to be on alert. View the key messages for GPs here.
Treatment of patients with an acute or sub-acute COPD exacerbation that can be safely managed in the community
View detailsThis BPAC resource assists to predict risk of serious illness in children with fever