While parts of Manitoba have a higher than normal number of cases of whooping cough, that isn't the situation in southwestern Manitoba.

Dr. Michael Routledge is the medical officer of health for Prairie Mountain Health.

He points out for the Westman region it has been a routine year when it comes to pertussis.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe.

After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound.