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27 October 2011 09:32
Concern is growing that a whooping cough outbreak in New Zealand could spread nationwide
Britons travelling to New Zealand in the coming weeks might want to purchase medical travel insurance after health officials warned that a whooping cough outbreak in pockets of the country could become more widespread.
In September there were 40 cases of whooping cough in Nelson, on the northern tip of the South Island, while 27 cases have been identified so far this month and a further 16 are being investigated, according to Nelson Marlborough District Health Board.
There are also confirmed cases along the west coast of New Zealand and in Hawke's Bay in the North Island. The outbreak has prompted fears that a similar nationwide epidemic to the one in 2004-05 could occur.
Dr Jill Sherwood, Nelson Marlborough District Health Board medical officer, said whooping cough was especially serious for babies who have not yet been immunised.
She went on to say that parents should keep young babies away from anyone with a cough as people who have undiagnosed cases of whooping cough can often infect others in close proximity.
Dr Sherwood said: "See your GP quickly if you are concerned about your health or the health of your child as antibiotics prescribed early in the illness could decrease the seriousness of the symptoms.
"If babies and young children are immunised, they can reduce their chance of this serious and sometimes life-threatening illness."
23 June 2017
The fall in the value of the pound could pose a shock to British holidaymakers this summer, a currency expert has warned.
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22 June 2017
Britons have been warned that they could be banned from all-inclusive holidays unless they stop making bogus food poisoning claims.
21 June 2017
Holidaymakers could save themselves money by opting for self-catering breaks this summer, a report has shown.
20 June 2017
From trips abroad to days out closer to home, the school holidays can be a costly time for families.
17 June 2017
Debit and credit card charges are causing holidaymakers to "waste" more than £100 million each year, a new report has warned.
16 June 2017
Aggressive and potentially lethal prostate cancer could be detected more quickly thanks to a simple blood test, scientists have revealed.
15 June 2017
Many holidaymakers are over-estimating the benefits offered by European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), a new study warns.
14 June 2017
British holidaymakers will benefit from the end of mobile roaming charges this week.
13 June 2017
UK holidaymakers could face higher costs in the months ahead following the collapse in the pound, the owner of a major travel firm has warned.
10 June 2017
Holidaymakers planning trips abroad in the coming days will be monitoring the progress of the pound closely following the surprise general election result.
09 June 2017
Family holidays to traditional hotspots like Menorca and Ibiza could end up costing more than far-flung destinations such as Orlando, Thailand and Bali, surprising new research suggests.
08 June 2017
Two of Europe's major budget airlines enjoyed strong passenger growth last month, as the summer holiday season got under way.