Whooping cough cases surge in South Australia with 1349 reported this year

South Australia is facing a significant increase in whooping cough cases, with 1,349 reported so far, 13 times higher than last year. The rise is mainly among children aged 10 to 14, who account for 40% of cases. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, especially for pregnant women and infants. They recommend booster shots for older children and adults, as the state typically sees a whooping cough wave every four to five years. While other respiratory illnesses are declining, whooping cough cases are expected to rise during the holiday season. Initial symptoms include a runny nose and cough, which can lead to severe complications in infants.