MILWAUKEE — Cases of pertussis or "whooping cough" continue to climb across Wisconsin with more than 200 confirmed cases since the start of the year — that more than quadrupled the case count from all of 2023.

While the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) said that doesn't qualify as an "outbreak," the steady case climb is nonetheless concerning. Public Health Madison & Dane County has previously called the increase in cases an "outbreak." 

"Nationwide there's been an increased number of cases of pertussis throughout the U.S., so Wisconsin is in good company," said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, Wisconsin DHS immunization program director. "We've seen it ramp up over the last few months — certainly at the end of school, there were a few schools that had it — but it has continued into the summer."

In addition to reviewing one's vaccination records against pertussis and getting vaccinated if possible, Schauer said there are other steps one could take to protect against contracting it.

"This is something that may be with us for awhile," Schauer said. "If you're not feeling well, stay home when you're feeling sick, and certainly if you think you have pertussis, it's important to seek medical treatment."

Watch the full interview above.