According to health officials, whooping cough, also known as pertussis, which can be fatal to infants, is on the rise not only nationally, but locally.


Pertussis is a highly contagious but preventable disease. Regardless, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this could be the worse epidemic seen in 50 years.


"Nationally, we have had 25,000 cases up until Aug. 24 with 13 deaths. Most of the deaths were 3 months and younger infants," said Dr. Frank Petrola, Jefferson County Health Commissioner. "In July, we had seven cases in the county and in August, two cases so far."


Despite the record high numbers, Petrola said steps can be taken to prevent the spread.


"The best thing is to get the Tdap vaccine as an adult. It's a booster that will prevent you from being contagious and spreading it," Petrola said.


He said family members who are around newborns frequently, such as parents and grandparents, should be especially cautious.


"Usually, you will start with low-grade fever, stuffy nose and a cough. The severe coughing that you get, where you have a whooping sound, comes on usually in the second week or so," said Petrola.


For more on pertussis, you can visit the CDC website by clicking this link.