Parents and caregivers of children under 12 years are encouraged to ensure that their children are up to date with all routine vaccinations, including booster doses (at 6 and 12 year of age), and to seek medical attention promptly if they develop any whooping cough symptoms. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has noted an increase in pertussis or whooping cough cases in the country since the start of the year.
A total of 161 confirmed cases have been reported in the first seven weeks this year (1 January to 22 February 2026). This indicates ongoing transmission and warrants close monitoring and appropriate public health response measures. This should include increased efforts to ensure the timeliness and high coverage of Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) vaccines, as well as increased maternal vaccination uptake.
In 2025, 614 pertussis cases were confirmed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions surveillance system. While case numbers increased towards the end of 2025 compared to earlier months, they remained below the peak levels recorded during the 2022-2023 period. Over half of the cases (56%, 344/614) occurred in children under five years of age. Infants six months and younger accounted for nearly one-third of cases (29%, 175/614), highlighting the vulnerability of this age group and the importance of maternal vaccination to prevent illness.
Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a vaccine-preventable respiratory infection and a notifiable medical condition under the National Health Act (Act No. 61 of 2003). In South Africa, pertussis vaccination is included in the EPI and in antenatal care. Immunity following vaccination is thought to last for five to six years. Periodic increases in pertussis cases can occur in vaccinated populations every three to five years.
Pertussis symptoms can vary between individuals. Early symptoms often resemble those of a common cold and may include nasal congestion, a runny nose, a mild sore throat, and a dry cough, often with little or no fever. After several days, the cough typically becomes more severe, occurring in intense coughing fits that may be followed by a characteristic “whoop” or vomiting.
Parents and caregivers of children under 12 years are encouraged to ensure that children are up to date with all routine vaccinations, including booster doses, and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop. All children must receive doses of the pertussis vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age and at 18 months. In 2024, booster doses at six and 12 years of age were introduced in the public sector, and these additional doses are important to ensure continued protection beyond early childhood. All pregnant women should receive a single dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine in pregnancy to ensure that their baby is protected for the first 6 months of life when they are most vulnerable.
Clinicians are reminded to maintain a high index of suspicion for pertussis and ensure that suspected and confirmed cases are reported. Diagnostic testing should be performed where appropriate, and post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for close and high-risk contacts, including pregnant women and infants.
For more information about pertussis, click here.
