HOLDREDGE, Neb. (AP) — Several cases of whooping cough have been reported in central Nebraska.

Two Rivers Public Health Department in Holdrege has reported three cases in central Nebraska. So far, state health officials say, 69 cases have been confirmed this year in Nebraska.

There has been a spike in cases across the country this year, with nearly 18,000 cases so far, and health officials say this is shaping up to be the worst national epidemic in more than 50 years for the highly contagious disease.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis  is highly contagious and is spread when infected people cough or sneeze. It starts like the common cold, but can progress into violent coughing spells and can last for weeks.