Doctors recommend Whooping Cough vaccine for all - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

LA CROSSE, WI (WXOW)-- The Centers for Disease Control said number of cases of Pertussis, better know as whooping cough, is rising at epidemic rates.

Dr. Steven Manson, Gundersen Lutheran Pediatrician said this is the largest outbreak in the last 50 years.

He said he's seen ten cases since April, which is the same amount he saw in the last 20 combined.

The classic symptoms for kids: a runny nose, fever and a cough so severe the person wheezes, and has to gasp for air.

Dr. Manson said everyone should get vaccinated for the disease.

"It helps protect you from becoming infected. Once infected it might spread to other people because it's very contagious," Dr. Manson said.

Manson said with your back to school preparations, keep in mind all local schools require Kindergartners to be vaccinated and Middle School students to have a booster dose.