So far this year 50 people have been diagnosed with the reportable and highly contagious disease.

There were 16 cases identified in the Bathurst area during June.

This was up from 10 cases in May, four during April, three in March, nine in February and eight in January.

The Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) is warning residents both young and old to brush up on their personal hygiene and seriously consider getting vaccinated against what is considered a very serious disease, especially in young children.

A spokesperson from the GWAHS said whooping cough was a reportable disease with the number of cases being reported higher than normal.

“However, this is line with the trend we are finding across the state,” she said. “This is quite a preventable disease, especially as vaccinations are available.”

The spokesperson stressed there is no need for alarm, just vigilance.

“Again, as is with the flu, it’s all about good hygiene. Things like washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and not sharing food or drinks. It’s pretty common-sense stuff.

“However, whooping cough can be unpleasant for people of any age but it can prove to be very serious in babies, even fatal.

“Young babies under six months will not have been fully vaccinated so they remain vulnerable to whooping cough. NSW Health advises that the best way to protect babies is to keep them away from anyone with a cough and to make sure their immunisations are up to date.”

The GWAHS said the recommendation is that all children be given the combination vaccine to protect against six conditions including whooping cough.