Health officials in Ohio are sounding the alarm as cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are on the rise.

CANANDAIGUA, NY — The Ontario County Health Department is reporting an increase in the number of whooping cough cases in the county. As of Nov. 25, most of the cases reported have been in college-aged students, but Public Health Director Kate Ott said it is concerning there has been such an increase since 2023.

Caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, the highly contagious illness - known as whooping cough for the whoop sounding intake of breath that can follow coughing fits, or as the 100-day cough, for the lingering cough that can take weeks or months to resolve, causes breathing difficulties and severe coughing fits.

With the return of cold temperatures and Thanksgiving gatherings comes the risk of the flu, colds, and this year—a rise in whooping cough cases.

A total of 281 whooping cough cases have been recorded since Monday in Dane County, per county health officials.

Massachusetts public health officials are also monitoring an increase in walking pneumonia in recent weeks, particularly among children and young adults. According to the CDC, common symptoms of the illness include cough, fever, headache, and fatigue.

We’re seeing common pre-pandemic illnesses return with a bit of a vengeance,” said Dr. Michael Koster, of Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence.

Whooping cough cases have spiked in Tennessee compared to last year.