Whooping cough cases continue to surge in Canterbury

Health New Zealand's aware of 14 new cases of pertussis this week - taking the region's total to 24.

Health NZ's Dr Ramon Pink says there's been an increase in the disease since the beginning of May - but case numbers remain at expected levels.

Data shows the number of cases is the highest seen in the last four years - with 84 identified in June, and 72 in May.

The disease typically spreads more in the cooler months when people spend more time indoors.