Whooping cough cases up sharply in Colorado

Colorado health officials are warning the public about a sharp rise in the number of people who are coming down with whooping cough.

The state Health Department noticed a spike in cases during August. So far this year, there have been more than 1,400 cases of pertussis, better known as whooping cough. Officials say it’s the largest number of cases since 1948.

Colorado has averaged about 320 cases a year over the past five years.

Whooping cough is a contagious illness that is spread by sneezes and coughs. If it’s not treated quickly with antibiotics, it can cause vomiting, breathlessness and a whooping sound.