The Indiana State Department of Health is urging Hoosiers to take precautions against pertussis, or whooping cough, amid an increase in cases across the state.

In the first half of 2017, 136 cases of pertussis have been confirmed in Indiana. During the same period in 2016, the state saw 66 cases. Because pertussis tends to be cyclical, the health department expects to continue to see an increase in cases this year.

Symptoms typically begin seven to 10 days following exposure and may include prolonged cough, bursts of coughing that may cause difficulty catching one’s breath or vomiting following coughing.

Older children and adults can have mild cases of pertussis, but infants can experience serious illness. Young infants with pertussis can experience poor feeding, weight loss, slowed or stopped breathing, pneumonia, seizures or death.

Pertussis is transmitted by nose or throat droplets.

Anyone with a prolonged cough is encouraged to see a healthcare provider to determine whether testing or treatment for pertussis is appropriate.

While pertussis can be treated with antibiotics, it can be prevented with two safe and effective vaccines: DTaP for children under 7 years old and Tdap for children and adults over 10 years old.