FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — An eastern Nebraska health department is reporting several cases of whooping cough and influenza.

Three Rivers Health Department in Fremont says at least two cases of whooping cough have been confirmed in the district, which includes Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties.

Whooping cough, or pertussis (per-TUH’-sis), is spread when infected people cough or sneeze. It starts like the common cold but can progress into violent coughing spells.

The department also has received reports of and confirmed several influenza cases.

The department recommends vaccinating to prevent getting both whooping cough and the flu.

To help prevent the spread of those and other illnesses, officials recommend washing hands often, coughing and sneezing into an elbow and keeping hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.