'Brain damage, pneumonia, and death': The serious risks of whooping cough in infants

Australia recorded 57,000 whooping cough cases in 2024, a major outbreak that is especially dangerous for babies under six months.

Key Points

• According to Dr. Maria Arzineth Concepcion-Sison, a general practitioner based in Gold Coast, Queensland, the pertussis vaccine is free for children, pregnant women, and eligible age groups in Australia.
• Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria and spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing from an infected person.
• While adults typically experience it as a severe and persistent cough, it can become life-threatening in infants, potentially leading to pneumonia, apnea, seizures, brain damage, and death.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

'Brain damage, pneumonia, and death': The serious risks of whooping cough in infants

SBS Filipino

09:22Filipino

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is extremely dangerous for unvaccinated infants under six months old, making vaccination during pregnancy and among close family members before birth crucial in reducing the risk of infection and protecting the baby.

Dr Maria Arzineth Concepcion-Sison, Gold Coast-based General Practitioner

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