INFANT PERTUSSIS DEATHS IN NEW-SOUTH-WALES 1996-1997

Since 1996, south-eastern Australia has been experiencing a pertussis epidemic which has resulted in the deaths of several infants, includin g four from NSW in the 12 months to July 1997. All were less than six weeks of age and died from overwhelming cardiovascular compromise desp ite intensive care support. This excessive infant mortality from a pre ventable disease demonstrates the need for better pertussis immunity i n the community and for erythromycin treatment of all suspected cases and family contacts, especially infants.