WHOOPING COUGH EPIDEMIC IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
what you need to know!
Health agencies have reported that Aotearoa New Zealand is in the early stages of a whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic, with cases steadily increasing nationwide. In the four weeks leading up to 15 November 2024, 263 new cases were reported — the highest four-week total for the year (Ministry of Health, 2024) with a further 161 cases reported in the week ending 6 December (RNZ News, Dec 2024).
This surge has prompted health authorities to implement a nationally coordinated response to manage and reduce the spread of the disease. Health experts predict the current epidemic will be "long and slow," potentially lasting 12 to 18 months, with ongoing risks to vulnerable communities.