Whooping cough at Dunedin Campus

We have had a confirmed case of whooping cough (also called pertussis) at the Dunedin Campus.    

Whooping cough is a serious infection that makes it hard to breathe and causes a long coughing illness. It spreads easily between people by coughing and sneezing.  

This Public Health Information Sheet will give you more information about: 

• how whooping cough spreads  
• signs and symptoms 
• special advice for parents and caregivers  
• what happens if you get whooping cough  
• the best protection against whooping cough (immunisation) 
• links to further resources.  
  
  

See information sheet > 

What to do if you think you have whooping cough  

• Make an appointment with your doctor or book an online appointment with the Otago Polytechnic healthcare provider, Pocket Lab urgently.  
• Let them know that you think you have whooping cough and if you have potentially been in contact with someone who might have it.  
• Your doctor/Pocket Lab will give you antibiotics and let you know how long you need to isolate for.  

Isolating  

Isolating means staying away from classes on campus, early childhood centres, work and other places where you could have close contact with people.  

If you are given antibiotics and asked to isolate, please let your lecturer know.  

Support  

If you need support, whether it’s an emergency food drop-off if you’re living alone, or just someone to talk to, please reach out to our Student Support team – it’s what they’re here for.  

Email: studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz
Phone: 0800 762 786  

Immediate medical help  

If you or anyone in your whānau have any of the following symptoms, please call 111 and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital emergency department: 

• feeling very ill  
• finding it hard to breathe  
• turning blue or stopping breathing from coughing.  

Measles and meningitis – know the symptoms  

These are both highly contagious diseases that can be life threatening.  

When flatting with other students, it’s a really good idea to be aware of the symptoms so you and your mates can keep each other safe.  

Measles  

• First symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, and sore and watery ‘pink’ eyes.  
• A blotchy rash will then develop.  
• Ring your doctor or freephone Healthline 24/7 (0800 611 116) if you think you or someone you know might have measles.  

Find out more about measles >  

Meningitis  

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can suddenly make you very sick. It can cause hearing loss, permanent disability, or can be fatal. Getting help quickly, and early treatment is very important.  

• Common symptoms include fever, headache, feeling sick or throwing up, drowsiness, confusion, joint pains, aching muscles, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, rash – purple or red spots or bruises.  
• Ring your doctor or freephone Healthline 24/7 (0800 611 116) if you think you or someone you know might have meningococcal disease. 
• Call 111 for an ambulance in an emergency.   

Find out more about meningitis > 

Staying healthy  

We’re a large community of people interacting closely on a daily basis.  

You can help to keep yourself and others safe by:  

• wearing a mask if you have cold or flu-like symptoms  
• staying away from campus/class if you’re unwell  
• regularly and thoroughly washing your hands  
• coughing and sneezing into your elbow
• don't share a drink bottle with your mates.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz or phone 0800 762 786 and ask to speak to our Student Support team.