COEUR D'ALENE -- The Panhandle Health District is warning North Idaho residents that there has been an unexplained spike in Pertussis – or Whooping Cough – cases in Kootenai County so far this year.

Last year the district saw six cases in all five counties. Since mid-December there have been 15 cases in Kootenai County alone. Health officials can't explain that sudden spike and are concerned that it will spread to younger kids.

In response the Panhandle Health District is issuing an alert about a Whooping Cough outbreak. Parents are being asked to look out for severe coughing spells that cause vomiting or lack of breath.

"I want people to be aware that those respiratory systems they're hearing might not be the flu, might not be bronchitis, it might actually be this Pertussis,” Randi Lustig, epidemiology program manager with the Panhandle Health District said.

Since mid-December 15 cases of Whooping Cough have been confirmed in Rathdrum, Athol and Post Falls.

“It’s a surprise to me and if it's a surprise to me, I imagine it's a surprise to parents out there and to even physicians,” Lustig said.

The last time North Idaho had a major outbreak was back in 1997 which resulted in 150 confirmed cases and one infant death.

“Our concern comes when we think someone that is contagious even if they have a mild case is around a baby that's under one year’s old," Lustig said.

Whooping Cough according to the Panhandle Health District is particularly dangerous for children younger than six-months-old. Deaths most commonly occur in children who have not been vaccinated or are too young to be vaccinated.

It generally starts with a runny nose that quickly develops into a cough. People with Whooping Cough are contagious for up three weeks. Area schools and doctors have been notified that Whooping Cough is circulating around the community.

If you think your child is sick, health officials say contact your doctor. Whooping Cough is treatable with five days of antibiotics and rest at home. There's also a vaccination for Whooping Cough for people over the age of 11 but it isn't 100-percent effective.