WASHINGTON STATE (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whooping cough is hitting Washington like a train this winter season.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) says nearly 1,200 cases have been reported statewide as of Nov. 2, a dramatic increase from the 51 cases that were reported this same time last year.

Whatcom County had 37 confirmed cases this year following the latest count, though Chelan, Clark and Whitman counties are seeing the highest rates of infection.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued an advisory in late October warning residents of a rise in cases and Western Washington University says it’s had several cases on campus recently.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is highly contagious and anyone experiencing even mild symptoms should contact their doctor.

It can cause serious health problems in people no matter their age, but especially in young children, including pneumonia, seizures, apnea and sometimes death.

Health officials advise getting up to date with the DTaP and Tdap vaccines, which are free or low-cost for children under 19.