26 Jun 2006

Deadly whooping cough outbreak in PNG

3:15 pm on 26 June 2006

A whooping cough outbreak has claimed dozens of lives in two provinces in Papua New Guinea.

Health Officials say nine fatal cases were reported in Madang Province after spreading from neighbouring East Sepik where more than 30 people died this month.

A health alert has been issued in Madang with initial reports putting the number of confirmed infections in the province at 400.

The disease mainly affects children.