Eleven cases of the highly-contagious whooping cough were reported Tuesday and Wednesday, the Clark County Combined Health District announced late Wednesday afternoon.

Whooping cough, as its commonly known, is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and, as the disease progresses, causes rapid coughing followed by a high-pitched “whoop,” vomiting and exhaustion, according to the health district.

Pertussis is spread through airborne particles from coughs and sneezes to another person who’s in close proximity and breathes those particles in.

Other symptoms include runny nose, low-grade fever, mild, occasional cough and apnea — a pause in breathing — in infants.

Prevention includes the vaccination of all ages, starting with infants.

If contracted, it can and should be treated with antibiotics early, according to Clark County health officials.

Those suffering from symptoms of pertussis should keep their home free of smoke, dust and fumes, use a clean, cool mist vaporizer and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Signs of dehydration should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Clark County’s announcement comes about 10 days after Dayton Children’s Hospital officials said they’d confirmed 22 cases the week of June 23-29.

Additional cases were reported by the Greene County Combined Health District.

For more information, contact the Clark County Combined Health District at 937-390-5600, or check out its website at www.ccchd.com.