MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated amid a “significant increase” in pertussis cases in Wisconsin.

The state as a whole, including right here in Northeast Wisconsin, is continuing to see an alarming rise in cases of pertussis, also known as whopping cough. Since January 1, two-thirds of Wisconsin counties have reported at least one case.

So far this year, Wisconsin has already reported 625 cases of the disease. That’s 12 times more than what was seen all of last year — only 51 total.

The state Department of Health Services says this number actually compares to some pre-pandemic years, where high numbers of cases were reported. Officials say the disease is cyclical — so it’s not completely uncommon for some years to have higher numbers than others.

More than half of this year’s cases involve kids ages 11 to 18. Health officials say anyone at any age can get the disease, but it’s especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women.

It’s common to see such high numbers of the disease simply because whooping cough is so contagious.

“The other piece is that pertussis is quite infectious, in that you’re infectious before you start coughing for about a week, and 21 days after you start coughing, if you don’t get on the appropriate antibiotics. So people with the disease can really spread it for a long period of time,” warned Dr. Stephanie Schauer, manager of the Wisconsin Immunization Project.

Dr. Schauer says typically, children are vaccinated for the disease as infants and then again at the age of 11 or 12 — and that provides enough protection for a lifetime. But she also acknowledges that protection from the vaccine does wane over time — and that could be a contributing factor in this year’s high number of cases.

Pregnant woman can also get boosters, as they’re more at risk.

Early symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, occasional cough and a low-grade fever. Later symptoms include:

Fits of violent coughs that may be followed by a deep breath that make a “whoop” sound and/or make it hard to breathe
Vomiting during or after coughing fits
Exhaustion after coughing fits

If you or your child develop symptoms of pertussis, or if you’ve been exposed to someone you suspect may have pertussis, health officials say you should stay home from school, work, church and other activities. You should also contact your medical provider to ensure you receive proper treatment.

Experts say vaccination is the best way to prevent a pertussis infection. The DTaP (young children) and TDaP (teens and adults) vaccines protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis.

To see if your child is up to date, visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact your medical provider.