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People on flight OD195 from Perth to Auckland are being advised by health officials to monitor for whooping cough symptoms – an infectious illness which has claimed the lives of three infants in Aotearoa this year.
Passengers on a flight from Perth to Auckland have been advised to monitor for symptoms of whooping cough, after two people on-board have been confirmed as cases since arriving in New Zealand.
Te Whatu Ora’s National Public Health Service said those on connecting flight OD195, arriving on Monday August 28, should monitor for symptoms.
Early symptoms of whooping cough usually include a runny nose, fever and a cough. People could start developing symptoms anytime in the 2–3 weeks from exposure.
Those on the flight who develop symptoms are advised to call their doctor or health provider for testing and treatment; stay aware from those who are pregnant or babies (if they are unwell with any respiratory (breathing) illness symptoms) until they’ve spoken to a doctor; and seek urgent medical advice if they have difficulty breathing.
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be particularly dangerous for babies, young children and pregnant people, Te Whatu Ora medical officer of health Dr Michael Hale said.
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Whooping cough (pertussis) can be ‘unpredictable’ in babies and young children, and they can become ‘extremely sick’ very quickly.
Te Whatu Ora says there have been 69 cases of whooping cough in New Zealand this year so far, and three infants have died.
While the risk for most passengers was low, those who sat in rows 8 to 12 were at “higher risk of catching the illness”, and are considered contacts, the health agency says.
These people should be “particularly alert” to symptoms, and request antibiotics from their GP if they are pregnant, have a baby aged under 12 months, are immunocompromised, or live or work with any of these groups – even if they do not have symptoms.
“While the risk for most passengers on the flight was low, we are keen to make sure those who could become very sick from whooping cough are alerted to the risk and know the signs to look out for,” Hale said.
Whooping cough – spread through coughing and sneezing – can be “unpredictable” in babies and young children, and they can become “extremely sick” very quickly.
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The cough gradually gets worse, often developing into long coughing attacks that can last for 8 to 12 weeks – it is sometimes referred to as the ‘hundred day cough’.
In babies and young children coughing attacks often end with a ‘whoop’ sound at the intake of breath, or with vomiting or gagging.
Hale said immunisation is the best way to protect against whooping cough, especially during pregnancy and infancy. Immunising against whooping cough during pregnancy is 90% effective in protecting babies in the first few weeks of life.
If you’re not sure if you or your child are up-to-date with immunisations, check with your GP or nurse, he said.
