In a troubling development, whooping cough cases in Australia have surged to their highest level in 35 years, according to a recent report from the Productivity Commission. The report outlines that over 57,000 cases were recorded in 2024, with 37,663 cases occurring in infants and children under the age of 14. This alarming rise signals a significant public health challenge as the disease, known for its highly contagious nature, has been linked to a steep decline in vaccination rates among Australian children.