Health and Human Services representatives have released new statistic indicating a local rise in reportable diseases, as well as stressing the importance of prevention measures. Confirmed disease numbers jumped from 57 in 2004 to approximately 100 in 2007. The types of disease and resulting outbreaks varied from year to year. Reportable diseases can include anything from Mushroom Poisoning to West Nile Virus to Syphilis to Pertussis. One representative says that pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is preventable because it has a vaccine. She urges adults to get themselves vaccinated against all preventable diseases.