##澳大利亚百日咳疫情严峻 病例激增引发公共卫生担忧
澳大利亚近期遭遇百日咳疫情肆虐，病例数大幅增加，已成为严重的公共卫生问题。据澳大利亚广播公司和“9 News”报道，今年截至8月22日，全澳共报告了21336例百日咳病例，创下自2015年以来的最高水平，远超2023年全年的2451例。
专家指出，百日咳病例激增可能受到多种因素影响，包括：
* **流行高峰的到来:** 百日咳通常在冬季和春季出现高峰，目前正值澳大利亚的流行季节。
* **疫苗接种覆盖率下降:** 尽管具体数据尚未公布，但预计近年来澳大利亚的百日咳疫苗接种率有所下降，这可能是病例激增的主要原因之一。
* **COVID-19大流行期间免疫力减弱:** 疫情期间，人们减少了对百日咳的接触，导致免疫力下降，更容易感染百日咳。
新南威尔士州和昆士兰州是疫情最严重的地区。截至8月22日，新南威尔士州报告了10024例百日咳病例，而昆士兰州则报告了7461例。昆士兰州的情况尤为严重，病例数较去年同期暴增，甚至比2019年百日咳高峰时的病例数高出七倍。
昆士兰州卫生部门已发出紧急警告，敦促所有孕妇尽快接种百日咳疫苗，并强调12个月以下婴儿患严重疾病的风险最高。昆士兰州卫生部长香农·芬蒂曼呼吁民众保持警惕，加强对疫苗接种重要性的宣传，以防止疫情进一步扩散。
百日咳是一种高度传染性的呼吸道疾病，主要通过空气传播，可导致剧烈咳嗽、呼吸困难、呕吐等症状，严重情况下甚至可能导致死亡。专家建议民众采取以下措施预防百日咳：
* **及时接种疫苗:**尤其是孕妇和婴儿，应及时接种百日咳疫苗。
* **保持良好的个人卫生习惯:** 勤洗手、戴口罩、避免接触病人。
* **注意通风:** 保持室内空气流通。
澳大利亚政府和卫生部门正在采取措施应对疫情，包括加强监测、宣传疫苗接种、提供治疗等。但专家强调，预防百日咳的最佳方法是接种疫苗，呼吁民众积极配合，共同防控疫情。
英语如下：
##Australia Battles Pertussis Outbreak: Cases Surge, Sparking Public Health Concerns
**Keywords:** Pertussis, surge, Australia
**News Content:**
Australiais grappling with a severe pertussis outbreak, with a sharp increase in cases raising significant public health concerns. According to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and “9News,” the country recorded 21,336 pertussis cases by August 22nd this year, marking the highest level since 2015 and far exceeding the 2,451 cases reported for the entire year of 2023.
Experts attribute the surge in pertussis cases to a confluence of factors:
* **Peak Season:** Pertussistypically peaks during winter and spring, and Australia is currently experiencing its peak season.
* **Declining Vaccination Coverage:** While specific data is not yet available, it is anticipated that pertussis vaccination rates have declined in recent years in Australia,potentially contributing to the surge in cases.
* **Weakened Immunity Following COVID-19 Pandemic:** The pandemic led to reduced exposure to pertussis, resulting in weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to infection.
New South Wales and Queensland are the hardest-hit regions. By August 22nd, New SouthWales had reported 10,024 pertussis cases, while Queensland recorded 7,461 cases. The situation in Queensland is particularly alarming, with case numbers soaring compared to the same period last year and even surpassing the peak of 2019 by sevenfold.
The Queensland Health Departmenthas issued an urgent warning, urging all pregnant women to get vaccinated against pertussis as soon as possible. They emphasize that infants under 12 months old are at the highest risk of developing serious complications. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has called for vigilance and increased awareness about the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread.
Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory disease, is primarily spread through the air and can cause severe coughing, breathing difficulties, vomiting, and even death in severe cases. Experts recommend the following measures to prevent pertussis:
* **Get Vaccinated:** Prompt vaccination is crucial, especially for pregnant women and infants.
* **Maintain Good Personal Hygiene:** Frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, and avoiding contact with sick individuals are essential.
* **Ensure Adequate Ventilation:** Maintain good air circulation indoors.
The Australian government and health authorities are taking steps to address the outbreak, including enhanced surveillance, promoting vaccination, and providing treatment. However, experts stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent pertussis and urge the public to actively participate in controlling the outbreak.
【来源】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-22/10273281.shtml
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