Infectious diseases experts are warning that Australia is “ well overdue ” for a whooping cough ( pertussis ) outbreak , with data suggesting a resurgence of the disease as early as this summer .

With epidemics of the highly contagious respiratory infection occurring every three to five years and the most recent Australian epidemic peaking in late 2015 ( 22,570 confirmed cases ), experts predict a major outbreak that threatens infants , children and adults alike .

The Immunisation Foundation of Australia ( IFA ) today launched the inaugural Whooping Cough Day to encourage all Australians to remain up to date with vaccination .

Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at University of Sydney , Professor Robert Booy said , “ It ’ s only a matter of time before we see a resurgence of whooping cough , quite possibly in the Spring and Summer months when infections traditionally spike .”

“ While respiratory infections such as influenza and RSV have recently risen to pre-pandemic levels , we haven ’ t yet seen this with whooping cough ,” Professor Booy said .

“ Whooping cough follows a fairly predictable pattern and it ’ s very much the sleeping bear of respiratory infectious disease right now .”

“ We ’ ve seen years when whooping cough infections in Australia have neared 40,000 , so we must be alert to signs of a pending epidemic ,” said Professor Booy .

IFA founder Catherine Hughes said the awareness campaign tackles an issue close to her heart . In 2015 , Ms Hughes ’ four-week-old son Riley died from whooping cough complications .

She says that despite subsequent improvements in the prevention of whooping cough in infants and pregnant women , “ there is huge room for improvement when it comes to reducing the spread of whooping cough in the broader community ”.

“ Most people associate whooping cough with babies , but more than half of all cases are reported in adults ,” Ms Hughes said .

“ Whooping cough can be fatal in infants and can cause serious illness in older children and adults . This is particularly true for those with asthma who are at four times greater risk of infection and higher risk of being admitted to hospital .”

Known as the “ 100-day cough ”, whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that attacks the airways , causing uncontrollable coughing and difficulty breathing . The coughing fits can be so severe that they cause vomiting , incontinence , broken ribs and hospitalisation .

Whooping cough is more contagious than influenza , measles or COVID-192 and , once infected , a person can remain contagious for three weeks or until they complete a course of antibiotics .

As symptoms of whooping cough don ’ t appear immediately ( often for a week or two following infection ), the bacteria is easily spread . One infected person may unwittingly spread the disease to up to 17 unvaccinated people .

With the disease most likely to spread during the warmer months , Professor Booy said “ Australians should not only be alert to signs of infection , but also check their vaccination status ”.

“ People with an ongoing cough should practice social distancing and seek immediate medical advice ,” Professor Booy said . “ Increased levels of socialising and travel during the festive season facilitate the spread of airborne bacteria like whooping cough , so vigilance is required .”

Ms Hughes says that while vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough , “ it ’ s not a case of ‘ set and forget ’ as protection wanes over time ”.

“ Adults require a booster shot at least every 10 years to stay up to date with whooping cough

protection ,” she said . “ Research shows that more than 80 per cent of Australian adults cannot recall receiving a whooping cough booster . This confirms that many are oblivious to the need for a booster vaccine and will likely have minimal protection against whooping cough .”

“ It ’ s easy to check your immunisation status against whooping cough and organise a booster , and it ’ s up to all of us to protect ourselves and our loved ones against whooping cough .”

Australians can check their vaccination status by talking to a doctor , pharmacist or by accessing their Immunisation History Statement via the Express Plus Medicare app .

Find out more about Whooping Cough at : www . ifa . org . au / WhoopingCoughDay