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Pertussis

Victoria is experiencing a significant surge in pertussis cases in 2024. Children aged 10-12 years are the most commonly affected age group, with many schools experiencing pertussis outbreaks.

Pertussis poses a significant risk to infants under the age of 6 months who are at greatest risk of severe disease, hospitalisation and death.

Clinicians should consider pertussis in all people (including infants, children and adults) presenting with compatible symptoms. A nasopharyngeal swab/aspirate for PCR is the preferred diagnostic test for pertussis in all ages.

For patients diagnosed with pertussis, clinicians should:

Clinicians should also ensure that pregnant women and children are up to date with pertussis immunisations.

For more information, refer to the recent Health Advisory from the Department of Health.

Mpox

There is an ongoing outbreak of mpox in Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions, mostly impacting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. This outbreak is caused by Clade IIb of the virus.

There is also a rapidly increasing mpox outbreak within central and eastern Africa caused by Clade Ib of the virus. This clade has not been identified in Australia to date.

Clinicians should consider and test for mpox in people presenting with compatible symptoms. All suspected and confirmed cases of mpox should be urgently notified to the Department of Health by calling 1300 651 160 (24/7).

Clinicians should recommend mpox vaccination to all eligible patients. Mpox vaccines can be ordered through Onelink. A list of vaccination providers in the Barwon South West region can be found on the BSWPHU website.

For more information about mpox, including clinical presentation, testing and vaccination, refer to the recent Health Alert from the Department of Health.

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