Health experts are reminding pregnant women and infants to get vaccinated against whooping cough.

The reminder follows a wave of the infectious disease, seeing case numbers climb to their highest in the last six years across the state.

According to the Department of Health and Wellbeing, South Australia recorded 492 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, so far this year—more than 10 times the number of cases reported at the same time last year.

Whooping cough generally follows a cyclical pattern, with waves occurring every four to five years.

The last time the state experienced a whooping cough wave was in 2016 and 2017, with over 1,500 cases reported in each of these years.

Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier said whooping cough could be very severe and even life-threatening in babies and young children.

“That’s why it’s important for all pregnant women to get their free vaccination to help protect their baby, and for families to ensure their little ones are up to date with their childhood immunisations,” Dr Spurrier said.

She said with the current wave of whooping cough in South Australia, anyone who would be spending time around infants less than six months of age should consider getting themselves a booster.

“Many people who have had the vaccine may not realise that immunity wanes over time.

“If you are unsure of your immunisation status, speak to your doctor about getting a booster shot, particularly if you are the parent, grandparent, or loved one of an infant, or you work with young children.

“Maintaining good respiratory hygiene is also important in preventing the spread of whooping cough.

“Simple things like covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, disposing of used tissues, and washing your hands can help reduce the spread of infection.”

Dr Spurrier has called on the public to stay home from work or school if they are sick to prevent the spread of illnesses like whooping cough to others.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease caused by a bacterial infection of the respiratory track.

Infection can spread to other people through coughing and sneezing. The infection begins with cold-like symptoms and can lead to serious complications or even death in very young infants.

Complications may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, or altered brain function.

While anyone can become infected and therefore be able to pass on the infection to others, the greatest risk is to young infants.

According to the department, the best protection against whooping cough is vaccination.

Free vaccination is provided as part of routine childhood immunisation under the National Immunisation Program for babies at six weeks, four months, and six months of age.

Boosters are then given at 18 months, four years, and year seven students as part of the school program.

According to the department, pregnant women are also offered a free vaccination between 20- and 32-weeks’ gestation, which protects the newborn baby through passive transfer of protective antibodies until the baby is old enough to be vaccinated.

This article appeared in the  Naracoorte Community News.