I would like to make families aware that the Department of Health, Victoria has issued a health alert notifying the community of increasing pertussis (whooping
cough) cases in Victoria.

• The key messages are:
- Cases of pertussis are increasing in Victoria, mostly affecting children aged 10-12 years
- Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life threatening infections in babies
- Symptoms of pertussis may be very similar to other respiratory infections, especially in the early stages, meaning diagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible is important.

For all other information, please refer to the following website:

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/pertussis-whooping-cough