The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has confirmed two members of the women’s water polo team and one coach, have been diagnosed with Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. 

We are working closely with medical professionals as well as ACT Health to ensure that every precaution is taken to prevent the spread of this infection.  The water polo team is in camp at the AIS and has been placed in isolation to mitigate the risk of infection for athletes, staff and the public. All members and officials of the team have been tested.

As Pertussis is a standard childhood immunisation, the medical advice suggests that most Australians are unlikely to contract the illness. However the AIS first priority is to ensure the health and wellbeing of athletes, staff and the public who visit the facility.

The AIS is taking this very seriously and will continue to work closely with AIS health professionals and ACT Health to reduce any potential risk. We are informing all sports visiting the AIS of the infection and any decision to continue their immediate preparations at the AIS are for each individual sports to make.

Further information on Pertussis can be found at www.health.act.gov.au and we advise anyone displaying symptoms to seek medical advice.