Whooping cough cases are increasing in Yavapai County, according to officials with County Community Health Services. While the number of cases remains relatively low, they have risen in the past few weeks.
Whooping cough is a respiratory infection that spreads through coughing and sneezing. The illness starts out with cold-like symptoms, which can lead to gagging or vomiting during severe coughing fits.
There is a vaccine for whooping cough. Community Health Services also says surgical masks can prevent the spread of the illness.