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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced the number of cases of pertussis or whooping cough in the US is the worst it has been for the last 50 years.  Lynn Fisher from Washington County Public Health says across the state of Iowa there were 785 cases reported by the state Department of Public Health, an increase of nearly 500 percent.  She adds there are some cases within Washington County as well.

She says many people don’t realize adults spread the disease to children and infants.  Fisher notes the symptoms of pertussis mimic a cold, but will turn into a persistent cough and the symptoms are usually worse at night.

Fisher says adults should check with their doctor if they feel they might have pertussis and to see if they have received the vaccine.