Pertussis (whooping cough) update

An update from Dr Jo Scott-Jones, medical director.

In 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. View the Institute of Environmental Science pertussis dashboard here.

Key messaging for GPs

1. Protecting infants by vaccinating hapū mama remains the most important and effective strategy; followed by timely delivery of the infant doses.
2. Antibiotics do not alter the course of illness once the coughing has been established; antibiotics are most effective if given during the catarrhal phase. So, anybody who has been in contact with a pertussis case needs early antibiotic if they develop a runny nose. 
3. Antibiotics can reduce spread if given within three weeks of cough onset; but is of questionable value after two weeks. Azithromycin is the recommended antibiotic and after two days of antibiotics the case is no longer infectious, this takes three weeks after cough onset if not given antibiotics.   

Community Healthpathways contains up to date information about pertussis, including a localisable Standing Order for treatment that can be adapted to your clinic.