Whooping cough on the rise in Dane County | Health

Over the past several months, whooping cough, or pertussis, has been on the rise in Dane County, according to Public Health Department officials.

Since March 1, more than 90 cases have been reported in Dane County and more cases are expected, officials said.

Most of the reported cases are school aged children -- and within the age group, the hardest hit is 10 to 14 year old people, officials said. More than 160 total cases have been reported since the beginning of the year. 

While cases of pertussis have been found in quite a few areas of the county, clusters of cases have been reported in Sun Prairie, Monona and Cottage Grove. 

Other counties in Wisconsin have also seen an increase in pertussis. 

For more detailed information on pertussis including details about vaccination requirements for children, teens and adults, visit www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis.

For information on where to get free immunizations if you are uninsured, visit www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/immunizations/clinics.cfm.