It’s another health warning for the state of Michigan as the Department of Health and Human Services says there’s been an increase in whooping cough cases in recent weeks.

Dr. Lea Monday, an Infectious Disease Specialist for the Detroit Medical Center, was asked how much of a concern is that rise in whooping cough cases.

“It’s super concerning,” Monday said. “The last two years we’ve averaged a little over 530 cases, and so far this year, we’re actually already past 800. So definitely one of the things that’s going on is kids got behind on their vaccinations during COVID, and I think vaccine hesitancy is really starting to show its face now in what’s happening.”

Monday is urging people to get vaccinated as the state sees a continued decline in childhood vaccination rates.

The early symptoms of whooping cough can look like a common cold. However, later symptoms can consist of uncontrolled coughing fits and shortness of breath.