Whooping cough (pertussis) infections continue to rise in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating more than 17,600 cases as of Oct. 5.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, continues to surge in southwest Idaho. In the ten-county area managed by Central and Southwest District Health offices, there have been 222 confirmed cases as of October 7th this year,

Cases of pertussis also known as whooping cough are returning to pre-pandemic levels nationwide. Nebraska state officials released a health alert recommending

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes intense coughing fits. Patients typically make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they breathe in after a coughing fit. The coughing can be so severe that people might vomit or break a rib.

Whooping cough (also known as Pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects only humans. While it can affect people of all ages, it can be more dangerous for younger, elderly, or medically predisposed individuals.

Doctors are raising the alarm over a rise in measles and whooping cough cases throughout Minnesota. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has the full story.