There have been five confirmed and seven suspected cases of pertussis – commonly known as whooping cough – in Cole County.

Other mid-Missouri counties are also seeing an increase. Boone County has had five confirmed cases since August 24th. Callaway and Moniteau counties both have two suspected cases that are being investigated.

Health officials are concerned about the increase in what is a preventable disease, so they're urging any adult who is in contact with a child younger than 5 years old to get vaccinated for whooping cough.