The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cases of Whooping Cough, or pertussis, are on the rise. There are nearly three times as many cases reported this year compared to 2023 in the U.S. That includes 45 cases of Whooping Cough in Georgia, according to the CDC.

Nationally, the CDC said 4,800 cases were reported this year, compared to the nearly 1,750 cases last year.

The CDC said masking and virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic likely lowered the transmission of diseases like Whooping Cough, but many people also fell behind on their vaccinations during that time. The agency said TDAP vaccines, which protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis, were far lower than normal during the pandemic, taking a substantial dip in 2020.

Doctors say to make sure kids are up to date with their TDAP shots and that pregnant women should also get vaccinated to protect their newborns. Symptoms of Whooping Cough start like the common cold before turning into violent coughs that last for weeks. Severe cases can lead to fractured ribs, pneumonia and low oxygen levels, according to the CDC.