NT Health has urged Territorians to ensure their whooping cough vaccinations are current as cases surged to 91, up from just 12 cases last year, with 31 cases occurring in just the last month.

NT Health Centre for Disease Control Director Dr Vicki Krause said the community can help stop the spread of whooping cough by ensuring they are vaccinated.

“It’s vital for everyone to know their vaccination status and to keep up-to-date with their whooping cough vaccine to protect themselves, their families and those they care for,” Dr Krause said.

She said whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through direct contact with mouth or nose secretions, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by sharing eating utensils, food or through kissing.

Whooping cough impacts the lungs and airways, leading to severe coughing and difficulty breathing. It poses serious risks, including pneumonia, brain damage, and potential death, particularly in infants who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes.

Health experts say vaccination is still the most effective defence against whooping cough and can help reduce its transmission.

Whooping cough vaccinations are available for free to specific groups:

– Pregnant Women: Recommended starting at 20 weeks to transfer antibodies to the baby.

– Infants: Vaccinations are administered at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, and 4 years.

– Children and Teens: Offered to those aged 12 as part of the Year 7 school program and available until 19 years old at health clinics, pharmacies, or through GPs.

It’s important for adults who will be around newborns to make sure they have received a whooping cough vaccine within the last 10 years. Those who do not qualify for a free vaccine can obtain one from their general practitioner or local pharmacy.

This year, Australia has confirmed over 52,000 whooping cough cases, the highest total since records began in 1991.