It's a highly contagious bacterial disease that can be deadly to young children. Cases of Pertussis or "Whooping Cough" are up in parts of the state.
So far this year, there have been 16 confirmed cases in Wood County, and the Marathon County Health Department is currently tracking about 20 cases.
Both are increases from this time last year.
Experts say, the best way to protect yourself and your children is by staying up to date on vaccines.
"It's definitely in the community, you definitely need to get your TDAP and if you're sick you need to stay home or go in and talk to your doctor," said Carrie Sickler, R.N. and B.S.N. with the Marathon County Health Department.
People with whooping cough are treated with antibiotics and should stay isolated for 5 days.
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