Following the death of a newborn baby in Melbourne because of Pertussis (whooping cough) health authorities in the territory are investigating this spike in the number of cases. 1353 cases were reported since January. Whooping cough is particularly fatal for infants with the disease claiming one child for every 200 infected children. In adults it causes symptoms like common cold. But in infants, there may be coughing fits which deprive the brain of oxygen causing brain damage and even death.

Pediatrician with the immunization service at the Royal Children's Hospital, Dr. Jenny Royle has urged the Victorians to be particular about their whooping cough vaccinations because this highly contagious disease epidemic endangers the lives of babies. As children below 1year of age were most vulnerable to this illness, parents should vaccinate their little ones with 3-doses at 2-4-6months respectively. A booster dose should then be given at four years, followed by another at 10years.

Dr Royle said, "It was also vital for parents of infants and other adults in close contact with babies to have booster vaccines, because they could be infected without knowing and pass it on. About half of babies who catch whooping cough probably catch it from a parent. We certainly can't blame parents for that, it's just the reality of who babies spend their time with, so we need to make sure we give boosters to people in contact with babies.'' In Victoria all new parents can get a booster dose free of cost.