The notorious whooping cough is still taking its toll over children of West Coast, however, Westland has been able to deal with it timely. Last week, as many as 148 people have been diagnosed with the diseases.

With the pursuit of dealing with the surging cases of whooping cases in the area, the authorities are keeping an eye over those who are having cough problem for at least two weeks. It has come to light that the kids are being affected with whooping cough from their family members.

The numbers of whooping cases being reported at West Coast are 20 times higher than those reported in New Zealand. Kids under the age group of one year are most vulnerable of being affected with the diseases.

However, children can be prevented from the disease by vaccinating them. Dr. Cheryl Brunton, West Coast Medical Officer of Health noted, “Childhood vaccination is the best protection and especially for pertussis it is important for all babies and children to receive their immunisation on time”.

Although kids can be saved from the disease, elders are least benefited from the vaccine. Moreover, they are also vulnerable of transmitting the disease to others. But it doesn’t mean that they are not required to be vaccinated.

Vaccinations against whooping cough are available at various clinics. Kids are being vaccinated for free of cost. But elders would be required to pay to get themselves vaccinated. The spread of whooping cough could also be prevented by washing hands before and after eating. Kids affected with whooping cough are advised to avoid going to school so that the diseases is not spread to others. Precaution is always sought to be better than cure. Therefore, people are being advised to get themselves vaccinated against whooping cough.