Oklahoma is seeing a rise in Whooping Cough cases this year. So far, the state has confirmed almost 400 cases compared to the seven reported all last year.The nation as a whole, is also seeing a rise with more than 23,500 cases reported compared to almost 4,000 cases in 2023.Dr. Macey Hale of the Utica Park Clinic of Claremore said shes seen several Whooping Cough or pertussis cases since August.Ive only been practicing a handful of years, and this is not something I thought I would come across so early. There are other pediatricians I know who have been practicing 20, 30 years and they said this is the most theyve seen, Dr. Hale said.WHAT IS WHOOPING COUGH?Dr. Hale says Whooping Cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that attacks the respiratory system.The symptoms start out as a normal cold, but Dr. Hale says the cough begins to get louder and longer than a normal cold.The most common groups of people who contract the virus are infants, pregnant women, and elderly people.the cases have been severe enough that weve had to transfer kids to the children hospital just because the case is so severe. Were seeing a spike in the younger population.Dr. Hale said the cough can last an average of 100 days, and for infants to toddlers can do damage.Younger infants under age one can get into such bad coughing fits they will quit breathing. If they quit breathing their oxygen levels will go low, then they will turn blue and its really scary for parents.HOW CAN PEOPLE PREVENT THE VIRUS?Dr. Hale recommends the best way to prevent the virus is to get vaccinated.She also says having your child wear a mask in public if they are younger since their immune system isnt quite developed.She also recommends this for pregnant women in the late stages of pregnancy.For more information on Whooping Cough, the CDC has a full article.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube