Washington state health officials have declared an epidemic and are fearful of higher spikes in occurrences of whooping cough.

Washington has already had 10 times the cases reported in 2011 as has Wisconsin who has yet to declare an epidemic.

The state is providing free vaccinations against the disease and Governor Chris Gregoire announced $90,000 for a public awareness campaign about the disease.  State health Secretary, Mary Selecky, said it’s the first declaration of an epidemic she’s made in 13 years on the job.

While most fatalities happen in babies, anyone is susceptible to the disease.  Adults and teens are being asked to get booster shots to help prevent spread of the disease to any baby they may contact throughout their day.

Whooping cough is highly infectious and the only vaccine-preventable disease currently showing a rise in deaths in the United States.