Baby with whooping cough dies over holiday period

A heartbreaking tragedy has marked the ongoing whooping cough epidemic in New Zealand, as an infant succumbed to the disease over the holiday period. This devastating loss underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and preventive measures.

Health officials declared the epidemic in late 2024, with reported cases reaching levels not seen since 2018. As of January 10, 2025, 1,232 cases have been reported, with 101 hospitalisations. Worryingly, nearly 10% of cases required hospitalisation, and two-thirds of affected babies under 12 months old ended up in the hospital. Tragically, this marks the first recorded death since the epidemic’s declaration on November 22, 2024.

Dr. Matt Reid, a Public Health Medicine Specialist, conveyed deep sympathy for the family affected by the recent tragedy. “Our hearts go out to the family who have lost their child to this highly infectious disease. This is the last news any of us wanted,” he shared, reflecting the collective grief of the community.

This epidemic serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and early medical intervention. By staying alert to the symptoms, we can protect our most vulnerable population from this preventable disease. Read more here.