ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - The U.S. has seen an increase in whooping cough cases this year, with five times more cases being reported compared to this time last year. New York State has the second highest number of cases in the nation currently. Although cases in Monroe County have not jumped dramatically, local health experts are urging the community to be cautious of it. Pertussis, known commonly as whooping cough, is a bacterial disease that spreads quickly and is frequently long-lasting. Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at URMC Golisano Children's Hospital Dr. Geoffrey Weinberg said this wave of Pertussis is not unexpected. “It seems to come around in waves every three to five years, with this being a wave year,” Weinberg said. When someone contracts the illness initially, they commonly experience cold-like symptoms such as a low-grade fever, runny nose and congestion. In later stages, the symptoms can progress, and the person may gain an aggressive cough. The cough can come in paroxysms - or spasms - and can be difficult to control. The cough can be especially worrying if young children contract the disease. “The biggest concern for me as a pediatrician actually is the young infant," Weinberg said. "Infants can experience other complications from the cough such as pneumonia, breathing pauses and rarely death”. Vaccines that protect against Pertussis continue to be the most effective method of preventing the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can be administered as part of the DTaP vaccine (for young children) or the Tdap vaccine (for preteens and adults.) During wave years, taking extra steps in preventing whooping cough remains important, according to health officials. This includes hand washing, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and maintaining distance from people who have the disease. The CDC offers recent data on Pertussis surveillance and trends on their website.