Whooping cough cases are on the rise in this state and a pair of central Kentucky schools are dealing with infected students.

So far, nine students at Frankfort High School have confirmed cases. Those who came into contact with those students are now being treated and monitored.

One case has also been reported at Shannon Johnson Elementary in Madison county.

Health officials say they think high school students are getting whooping cough because the way a new vaccine is administered.

The cabinet for Health and Family Services says statewide there are 60 confirmed or probable cases of whopping cough; 12 of those are in central Kentucky.

The illness is categorized by a cough so violent, it sometimes makes people throw up.