BUFFALO TWP — A case of whooping cough was confirmed Tuesday at Freeport High School.

“The person who was diagnosed has already undergone treatment,” according to a letter emailed to families of high school students and available on the district website.

The letter states that the Pennsylvania Department of Health has been contacted to ensure the district is in compliance with the recommendations for dealing with whooping cough, formally called pertussis.

The letter warns people that those not immunized against pertussis have the greatest risk for infection and other symptoms.

The purpose of the notification is to warn people that their children attend classes in the same building or may ride the same bus as the affected student, according to the district.

No other cases have been reported.

“This illness has only been reported in the high school, with no exposure or reported cases involving other schools. Please understand that confidentiality prevents us from disclosing specific information regarding individual students,” according to the letter.

A letter attachment from the Department of Health states pertussis is a very contagious disease of the lungs and airways that is caused by bacteria found in the nose, mouth and throat.

Initial symptoms, which typically begin 10 days after infection but may start as early as six days or up to 20 days after infection, are similar to the common cold: runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and mild cough.

Coughing eventually becomes more numerous and rapid with a “whoop” sound and possible vomiting following a coughing fit.

The district advises parents to contact their doctor if their child develops any symptoms or if they have any questions.

For additional concerns, parents may contact high school nurse Cyndi Jones at 724-295-5143, Ext. 1253, or the Department of Health at 877-724-3258.