Whooping cough seems firm at its place, when from time to time, despite a number of efforts to curb it or prevent it, the disease keeps on attacking people in different regions. Vermont is realizing a worst outbreak of the same this year, a report has unveiled recently.

It has been discovered by the Vermont Department of Health that since the summer, the cases of pertussis have reached sky high. Until September 24, 293 cases were confirmed, but at the latest point of time the number has gone up by some 300.

The illness is caused by a bug of the lungs and initially causing mild upper respiratory symptoms, it leads to an irritating cough. If not treated, the cough may make a whoop sound later and cause breathing problems.

Health experts are highly concerned since the figures are the highest amongst those noted in the past 30 years. It is being said that from 1999 to 2011, only 100 or less cases were found each year and after 2008 to 2010, some 41 cases came into picture.

Now, the DOH is urging people with any of the symptoms of the illness to get tested sooner as possible. Also, confirmed cases have been asked to stay out of work or school unless they get an antibiotic therapy.