Whooping Cough cases are on the rise and Public Health South is monitoring the 24 probable and confirmed cases this year.
Since November the number of cases continues to rise leading the Ministry of Health to declare a national outbreak.
Medical Officer of Health, Marion Poore, said, “These have occurred throughout the district and involve all age groups. None of the cases has required admission to hospital." She encouraged parents to have all infants and children vaccinated on time.
Nationally there has been a considerable increase, with 2075 confirmed, probable and suspected cases last year, with the majority of confirmed cases are in the 20-29 age group.
In most cases the disease begins with cold-like symptoms which progress to a paroxysmal cough with “whoop” on breathing-in. People are infectious for 21 days from the first sign of symptoms, and advised to stay home if sick.