North Central Public Health District has issued an advisory about an on-going pertussis outbreak in The Dalles.  Pertussis, often referred to as “whooping cough,” is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing, and can last for months.  Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems.  District officials say the best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated.  Keeping infants and those at high risk for pertussis complications away from infected people is also important for prevention.