Dr Bryan Betty: Whooping Cough epidemic, who is at risk and how to prevent it - Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

Whooping Cough

A national epidemic has just been declared in New Zealand. Reported 260+ cases diagnosed in past four weeks. Whooping cough is potentially a fatal disease especially in younger children and babies less than one year. Three babies died last year in New Zealand from whooping cough when we didn’t have an epidemic!

What is whooping cough?

• Caused by a bacteria called pertussis.

• Damages lining of throat and lungs causing cough.

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