A single case of whooping cough was confirmed Friday in a Whitefish Middle School student. Both the county health department and school officials are working to contain the illness.

The health department has contacted parents of students at risk for contracting the illness and has canceled a band festival scheduled to take place at Whitefish Middle School.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious and serious illness that can affect anyone, the health department warns. It’s spread through direct contact with discharges from the mouth and nose of infected people.

Health officials urge those who have had a cough lasting more than one week to consult their health care provider. This is especially true if the cough tends to be worse at night and sounds different than a typical upper respiratory cough. Symptoms usually appear 5 - 10 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms to appear are similar to those of a common cold with coughing. The cough gradually becomes worse with spasms, which can end in vomiting or the characteristic, high-pitched “whoop.”

For more information, visit online at the Flathead City-County Health Department website at www.flatheadhealth.org, the Whitefish Public Schools website at www.wsd44.org, or call your medical provider.