About 200 cases have been registered of whooping cough and this has made authorities concerned to urge people to take vaccination for the same. Experts were of the view that the rise is quite shocking, as last year there was not even a single case.

The Peterborough County said that from the beginning of March, they have registered 10 cases. The county health unit has said that vaccination will be provided absolutely free from any of the county doctors.

If by any chance, the vaccination provision is not available with doctors then one can call at any health unit immunization clinic and he will provided with free vaccination dose. "We are seeing a rise in pertussis cases locally, similar to what is occurring elsewhere in the province, so now is the time for infants and adults to get immunized", said Dr. Rosana Pellizzari, who is currently acting as health officer.

Experts said that one of the reasons for rise in whooping cough cases is frequent outbreaks in southwestern Ontario. The region has maximum children and adults, who have not been immunized.

Other reason could be the seasonal prevalence of the disease, further explained the experts. Investigations are going on to know about infection.