BY OLIVIA GOELDNER
A total of 34 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the Hunter this year, the highest seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data reveals case numbers in the last two months have surpassed those recorded across the entirety of 2023.
The bacterial infection is highly contagious and has proven to be deadly in young children, with symptoms lasting up to three months.
Officials from The John Hunter Hospital are urging anyone who is able to get a booster shot of the vaccine to do so.
Arguing it can offer protection from the illness for three to four years.
