For Pennsylvania, 2010 is on track to be a record year for whooping cough.

More cases of the highly contagious illness, also known as pertussis, have been reported so far this year than in any year since 2005, according to statistics from the state Department of Health. many of those cases have been among 8-year-olds to 12-year-olds, spokeswoman Holli Senior said.

So far this year, 754 cases of whooping cough have been reported to the Department of Health. About 300 of those occurred in the past two months.

In 2009, there were 615 reported cases, the most since at least 2005.

"it is a busy year for pertussis," Senior said.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial illness spread by coughing or sneezing. The first symptoms of the disease are similar to those of the common cold. after about 10 or 12 days, those afflicted develop a severe cough that sometimes ends with a "whoop" as they try to catch their breath.

The disease is most dangerous in infants, who usually do not make the whooping sound and sometimes stop breathing during coughing fits. in otherwise healthy people, it is not usually life-threatening.

The disease is treated with antibiotics, which are more effective if whooping cough is diagnosed early.

A whooping-cough vaccine is required or recommended to enroll in elementary school in many Pennsylvania districts. But immunity can wear off over time, and a booster shot is now recommended for adolescents.

In November, the health department recommended that all Pennsylvanians ensure they are vaccinated against pertussis, saying "most adolescents and adults are susceptible to the disease."

The department recommended a booster shot for people aged 10 to 64 who are not fully immunized, women of childbearing age before or immediately after pregnancy, anyone who has contact with pregnant women or infants too young to be vaccinated, and all family members or caregivers of infants.

Cases have been on the rise in York, Delaware, Clarion and Venango counties, and the health department offered free vaccines in those areas.

In other areas, the department recommended talking to a doctor or other health-care professional. Vaccinations are also available at some Rite Aid locations.