The Indiana State Department of Health is looking into an increase in pertussis, or whooping cough, cases.
Whooping cough was confirmed in 136 cases in the first half of the year in Indiana. The state recorded only 66 cases during the same time period in 2016. The number of cases is expected to continue to rise.
Influenza has not been a big scare yet in Starke or Pulaski Counties.
Starke County Health Nurse, Frank Lynch, said that flu numbers are down right now and no cases of H1N1 have been reported. Whooping cough has been a great concern around the state this season but no cases have been reported in Starke County. Lynch would like to remind Starke County residents that flu shots are available at his office, both adult and child doses. He also recommends that residents wash their hands frequently to avoid getting the flu and spreading germs. Call the Health Department at (574) 772-9137 to make an appointment to get your flu shot.