Extremely Contagious Respiratory Illness Spreading In Wisconsin

This is not ideal. A highly contagious illness is on the rise in Wisconsin in a very big way, just in time for cold temperatures.

It's no secret - there is a lot of crud going around right now. I have somehow been spared but everything from a nasty head cold to the flu has been going around. Now, there's another illness you need to worry about. 

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All About Whooping Cough

Also known as pertussis, this respiratory illness is very contagious. It can start off just like any other cold, except the cough lingers and can last for months. It's only found in humans.

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While there are treatments for whooping cough, such as antibiotics, you have to catch it and treat it early for it to make a big difference.

The name comes from the sound you make when trying to catch your breath between coughing fits. Kids who get it may have difficulty breathing, making this especially scary.

On The Rise In Wisconsin

So why is this important now? Because according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, there were about 2,500 cases in the state in 2024 alone. This has impacted at least 71 counties.

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As of January 2nd, about 13 people were hospitalized with it. This is a major uptick in cases from the year prior, when there were only about 50 cases across the state.

Stay home if you're sick and wash your hands. It's that time of the year where it seems like everyone is sick and everything is going around. This is one illness you definitely do not want to catch!