North Kingstown, R.I. (AP) — Officials have confirmed two more cases of whooping cough in North Kingstown, bringing the total to eight amid a national increase in the disease.

Health Department officials announced the new cases Thursday as the agency held a vaccination clinic at North Kingstown High School. Another clinic will be held there Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.

There have been 35 cases of whooping cough, also called pertussis, this year in Rhode Island, which sees about 60 cases per year.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly 18,000 pertussis cases have been reported nationwide this year, more than twice the number seen at this point last year. Nine children have died.

The North Kingstown cases include an adult and seven children ages 8 to 11. All are recovering.