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KIRKSVILLE, MO --  

A few weeks ago, KTVO reported an outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough among Amish communities in Schuyler County.
    
The Adair County Health Department says the disease continues to be associated with Amish communities in Adair County and other surrounding counties.
    
Whooping cough is caused by bacteria and spreads easily from person to person.
    
Missouri state law requires that children get vaccinated before starting school.

“We recommend too that for adults, that they can get a booster dose of t-dap which does contain the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis portion as well. We have that available here at the health department and we encourage adults as well as children to get their vaccinations for that,” said Lori Guffey, R.N.
    
The Missouri Code of Ethics says that doctors, hospitals, and other institutions should report any cases of pertussis to the health department within one day.