The 1996 pertussis epidemic in New Zealand: Descriptive epidemiology

Abstract

Aim. To describe the 1996 pertussis epidemic. Methods. Hospitalisation, notification and laboratory data were used to describe the 1996 pertussis epidemic and compare it with previous epidemics. Results. The 1996 epidemic spanned 24 months. The crude hospitalisation rate from 1 June 1995 to 31 May 1997, was 10.1 per 100 000 person years, being highest for children aged six weeks to two months (42 to 90 days old inclusive; 1402 per 100 000). The 1996 epidemic involved more hospitalisations than the 1991 and 1986 epidemics, and a greater proportion for children under the age of one year (77%), compared to previous epidemics (60-70%). There were no deaths. Pertussis only became notifiable from ..