Immunity to whooping cough - either in people who have been vaccinated or infected by the disease - lasts an average of 30 years, a University of Michigan study found.

Reported in U.S. News & World Report, the study by U-M and University of New Mexico researchers found immunity doesn't wear off as quickly as previously thought.

Whooping cough is also known as pertussis and is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing that often makes a deep "whooping" sound.

It carries a number of complications and can be particularly dangerous to toddlers, children and seniors. Whooping cough can lead to hospitalization.

Over the summer, Washtenaw County and state officials warned cases of whooping cough were up this year.