Young children and the elderly are the most important people to worry about, however all community members must be aware. 

Several cases of the condition have been quite severe, even causing serious hospitalisation. 

All local schools have issued reminder alerts to their students of the prevalence of pertussis (whooping cough) and Hunter New England Health has also issued a warning. 

Hunter New England Health Service Director Health Protection, Dr David Durrheim, issued a reminder last week as an increase in cases continues to be seen in the Scone area, as well as across NSW broadly. 

Dr Durrheim reminded people that the vaccination does not provide 100 per cent protection, as even people who have been immunised can still pick up the illness, just with milder symptoms. 

Whooping cough is an infection of the throat that causes coughing and sometimes breathing difficulties and vomiting. 

Obviously easily spread through coughing, it can be an extremely serious infection in small children.

Common early signs of the illness include a snuffle or cold, however the coughing can last for many weeks. 

Dr Durrheim said children who have been diagnosed with whooping cough should not attend school until they have completed the first five days of the recommended antibiotics.

“Public Health staff are asking the community to access the information on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/whoopingcough/pages/default.aspx and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of               pertussis and seek medical attention.

“Pregnant women are now being offered free vaccine in their last three months of pregnancy to protect newborns that are too young to be immunised,” he said. 

For more information, contact the Public Health Unit on 4924 6477.