Abstract
Epidemiology In countries with universal childhood vaccination, epidemics of pertussis occur periodically on a background of endemic circulation, although levels of disease activity are much lower in comparison to those in unimmunised populations. In NSW and nationally, a large epidemic unfolded from 2008. In 2008–2009, the pertussis notification rate in NSW was about three times higher than the previous 5-year average. Disease activity has continued at high levels during 2010. The relatively higher rate is likely explained by both a real epidemic as well as improved diagnoses related to the wider use of molecular-based testing (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)), which is more sensitive than other available methods.
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