ESCANABA — Local public health officials are warning of increased pertussis cases in the community.

In some individuals, pertussis cause an individual to make a whooping sound as they take breaths between coughing spasms; earning the disease the moniker “whooping cough.”

The immunization/Communicable Disease Coordinator from Public Health of Delta and Menominee Counties, Jennie Miller, released a letter explaining pertussis and how to protect oneself and one’s family. She said the department is currently investigating 12 potential cases in previous weeks, in addition to 10 cases reported this past summer.

“Pertussis is easily spread and recent outbreaks have occurred in other parts of Michigan and Wisconsin. Unfortunately, it can be up to three weeks between the time someone is exposed to pertussis and the time symptoms develop, so new cases may arise over the coming weeks,” Miller said in a statement.

She explained pertussis typically begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough and little to no fever. From there, it can progress to a more sever cough, with spasms potentially causing the individual to vomit.

Antibiotics can help decrease contagiousness and prevent the spread of infection to close contacts.

However, it does not cure the illness and symptoms can persist for several weeks or even months.

Individuals are considered no longer contagious once they have been on the proper antibiotic for five days.

Those with infants should exercise extreme caution as pertussis may cause severe symptoms in infants and can result in hospitalization.

Miller provided three tips for individuals to protect themselves and their families:

– Make sure everyone in the household is up to date on proper pertussis vaccinations. Infants and children should be vaccinated at two, four, six and 12-15 months as well as between ages four and six. A booster is recommended for children and adults 11 years of age and older. Following the booster, regular Tdap boosters are recommended every 10 years.

In addition to pertussis, it also helps protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

– Take your child to the doctor if they are experiencing any of the associated symptoms. Do not send children to school or group activities with a significant or prolonged cough until receiving an evaluation from a healthcare provider.

– Call your provider or the health department at 906 786 4111 if you have questions and/or concerns.