Whooping cough is a respiratory infection and can be spread easily among people in close contact. The disease is easily preventable with adequate vaccinations, said James McCurtis, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Community Health.

“The infection mainly infects preteens and infants, or those with lower immune systems, but anyone is at risk,” he said.

Those inflicted with the cough will start with cold-like symptoms and a week or two later develop a severe cough, making it tough to breath.

The Department of Community Health is advising that adults who weren’t vaccinated as children, or those who work with infants, seek a booster shot to protect against whooping cough.