The alert is in place despite more than 96 per cent of infants having been vaccinated against the disease in the local health district.

The WNSLHD provides health services in areas including Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo.

A WNSLHD public health spokesperson said people suspected of whooping cough should stay home and keep away from small babies until cleared by a test or they have completed a five-day antibiotics course. 

“People in close contact with newborns and infants, such as grandparents, partners and close family members, should ensure they have had a whooping cough vaccination in the previous 10 years,” the spokesperson said.

“The aim of whooping cough control is to protect infants, who are at highest risk of severe disease or death if they contract whooping cough.”

The WNSLHD reminds the community that all pregnant women, infants and children should be vaccinated.

 “The infection can occur even in fully-vaccinated children. Older children may just have a cough that is persistent and may be worse at night,” the spokesperson said.

“Whooping cough starts like a cold and progresses to bouts of coughing that can last for many weeks.” 

The cases of whooping cough have been on the rise in the region since August.

A total of 19 cases were reported in October and 21 in November, bringing the annual total to 90.

The WNSLHD warned whooping cough is a highly infectious disease and its outbreak is difficult to control.