As per reports, it has been revealed that a maternity worker, who has been affected with whooping cough, has passed on the infection to others. The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) broke the news and were of the view that the maternity ward worker at the Middlemore Hospital has came in contact with 170 people.

It is said that the worker has passed the infection to new born babies as well as to a mother, who is three months pregnant. The ARPHS officials were of the view that they are in contact with all the 170 people and have been raising awareness about the disease, so that they can detect the symptoms.

Whooping cough is a highly communicable disease and can easily pass through cough and sneeze and even from a common cold. The disease is more common in children and is quite rate that a person loses life due to it.

Clinical Director Julia Peters said that they have been in touch with expecting mothers and have been telling them how to take care of them in such a condition. "We encourage them to be vigilant for symptoms and to contact their GP immediately if they have any concerns", said Peters.