Queensland is facing a record outbreak of whooping cough, with 2,384 cases reported in 2025, which is nearly three-and-a-half times the average from previous years.

This alarming rise follows a staggering total of 15,012 whooping cough infections recorded in 2024, surpassing the total from the previous 11 years combined.

Professor Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Hospital Brisbane, has expressed deep concern over this significant increase, noting it is about six and a half times higher than typical figures for this time of year.

The surge in cases has been linked to declining vaccination rates and poor personal hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing and mask-wearing, problems that have been exacerbated in the post-Covid-19 environment.

Vaccination rates among infants have notably declined, with only 90.8% of one-year-olds vaccinated in 2023, which is nearly a 4% drop from 2018, according to Queensland Health data.

In light of the rising cases, Professor Griffin emphasized the critical importance of vaccinations for mothers during pregnancy and for children at scheduled ages to prevent severe cases of whooping cough.

Whooping cough poses serious health risks, including pneumonia, brain damage, and even death, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as young children and pregnant women.

With the flu season and other respiratory infections also on the rise, there are growing concerns about the potential strain on healthcare systems during the upcoming winter months.

Fortunately, the whooping cough vaccine is available for free during pregnancy and for children at various ages, with recommendations for booster shots every ten years.