In the past year more than 1300 cases of whooping cough have been reported — with 82 cases found in babies younger than one.
The Midcentral District Health Board is urging people in the region to get vaccinated against the serious and sometimes fatal disease.
Last week, The Ministry of Health declared an outbreak and director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay, says anyone with coughs should be especially careful if they are likely to come in to contact with babies.
She says most adults don't realise they have whooping cough, but it is incredibly contagious.
The Ministry says immunisations are a crucial way for parents and pregnant women to protect their children, with babies most at risk in the first six months.