Cases of whooping cough are rising in Nebraska and nationwide and now pregnant women are urged to get a shot to prevent the potentially-deadly disease, also known as pertussis.
Epidemiologist Patty Quinlisk says the warning for vaccinations follows a frightening resurgence of the dreaded childhood disease that's claimed 16 lives across the country.
Patty Quinslisk: 
Whooping cough is highly contagious. It's name comes from the sound children make as they gasp for breath. Nebraska has recorded more than 170 cases this year, more than three times the number from last year.
(Copyright 2012 by The Nebraska Radio Network. All Rights Reserved.)
(Image courtesy of Stock.xchng)