HEALTH ALERT: Whooping cough warning for Gold Coast Hinterland

There’s a major whooping cough warning for people in the Mount Tamborine and Scenic Rim area.

Gold Coast Health has confirmed there’s been a rise in cases of the highly contagious virus, prompting authorities to issue a timely reminder about keeping vaccinations up to date.

According to Newscorp, there’s been 24 people diagnosed with the infection in the Scenic Rim this year, which is a significant increase compared to the last few years.

The outbreak has sparked serious concern, with the hinterland holding the second worst rates of immunisation in the state.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that can affect people of all ages but is more serious for babies.

Symptoms include fever and long periods of coughing that sound like a ‘whoop’.