(CDC) -- Pertussis is a highly infectious cough illness that has been increasing in the adult population since the 1980s.

On September 16, 2002, a local county health department reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) four cases of cough illness among workers at an oil refinery. Following an investigation by IDPH, 17 individuals from the oil refinery were diagnosed with pertussis from August 1-October 9, 2002. Additionally, 7 patients with pertussis were identified in the local community from August 30-October 11, 2002. All 24 patients received treatment with antibiotics and there were no deaths.

Among recommended childhood immunizations, pertussis is the only vaccine preventable disease with increased number of cases in the United States during the last 20 years. The number of pertussis cases in adults has risen substantially since the 1980s.

Pertussis should be considered in adults with a cough illness lasting > 2 weeks with paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory "whoop," or post-tussive vomiting.