The whooping cough outbreak that has had Hokitika on guard for months is gaining a foothold in Greymouth, with six cases notified in the past week.
The number of new cases in Westland, a hotbed of the disease for the past couple of months, has finally started to reduce, with 10 notified this week, down on more than 20 a week.
At this stage all the patients in Greymouth have a link to Westland.
West Coast medical officer of health Dr Cheryl Brunton said today the disease was being spread by multiple people.
The school holidays meant a chance of further spread, with travel and sports events. There has also been an increased rate in Nelson-Marlborough.
Between May 1 and October 14, there have been 231 notifications of suspected whooping cough with 110 confirmed cases.
All West Coast schools have been sent information for the start of term four, which begins on Tuesday.
"It's not an explosive increase. We expected this would happen. I'm surprised it stayed in Westland for so long,'' Dr Brunton said.
Parents have been urged to keep children home and to stay at home from work themselves if they develop a persistent cough.
Immunisation is free, and a vaccine aimed at those working or living with young children is available.
"It's important to remember that the best protection against pertussis is for all babies and children to receive their childhood vaccinations on time,'' she said.
- Greymouth Star
