COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio is on the list of states with a growing number of pertussis, or whooping cough, cases in a warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the latest data from the CDC, which goes back to Nov. 9, the state has reported more than 1,188 cases of whooping cough so far this year. That is more than 550 cases above the 632 cases confirmed for all 12 months of 2023. This is echoed in the national data showing 23,500 cases in 2024, much higher than 2023’s roughly 5,000 cases.

Experts believe this year’s surge in cases might be caused by missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Widespread masking in 2020 and 2021 also helped prevent the spread of the bacteria that causes pertussis. Now, more cases are being seen across the U.S. than in 2019.

Health officials are warning the case count will continue to rise if measures to vaccinate and mask are ignored. The disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools, childcare centers, and large areas. It spreads easily from person to person as people cough, and sickened people can be contagious for weeks.

In addition to Ohio's 1,188 cases, Wisconsin, Washington, and California have all reported more than 1,000 cases. Nevada, Connecticut, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and D.C. have reported the fewest cases to the CDC. Wyoming reported no cases of whooping cough.

As of early November, the disease is surging on the East Coast. Pennsylvania has the most cases of any state, with 2,523. New York is close behind with 2,142.

What are the symptoms of pertussis/whooping cough?

As its nickname suggests, the disease’s main symptom is a bad cough, followed by a “high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like ‘whoop,’” the Mayo Clinic explains.

The onset of symptoms can appear to be the common cold. People report having congestion, a runny nose, watery eyes, a fever, and a cough.

But if the symptoms persist and worsen after a week or two, it might be whooping cough.

“Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing,” the Mayo Clinic notes.

Young babies, who are especially vulnerable to complications from pertussis, may not cough at all. “Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing). The apnea may cause cyanosis (to turn blue) or they may struggle to breathe,” the CDC says.

How is whooping cough treated?

While many people can recover on their own, whooping cough can be treated with the help of antibiotics.

Vaccines can also help prevent getting sick with pertussis in the first place. While the vaccines are highly effective, they wear off, so the CDC recommends making sure children and adults are up-to-date.

Babies should be vaccinated at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. Children need two booster shots, one between 15 and 18 months, and the other between 4 and 6 years old. Preteens should get a booster between 11 and 12 years old. The CDC also recommends adults get vaccinated if they have never had a dose.