CLARK COUNTY -- Pertussis, or whooping cough, is highly contagious, and Clark County is seeing a significant increase in the illness this year.Last year, there were only 15 cases, and so far this year that number is up to 100.Some cases were discovered at the Rocking Horse Center, but it's not the only place where people have gotten sick.A couple are from the Rocking Horse Center, but the rest are from the community outbreak we've been investigating for the past month, says Gabe Jones with the Clark County Combined Health District.The best way to prevent pertussis is by getting vaccinated. Infants start at two months old, and there's a booster at age 11 or 12.Doctors say adults should be getting boosters too.. because the vaccine doesn't last for life.If you're close to someone who gets whooping cough, you need to get to the doctor because even if you don't have symptoms, you could be a carrier.Symptoms include runny nose and low-grade fever. It starts with a mild cough, which turns into more frequent and rapid coughing marked by a whoop at the end.

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