Two cases of whooping cough were reported at Parkside Elementary School on Thursday.

“This is a highly contagious bacterial disease that most children receive a vaccine for in their normal vaccine schedule,” a message sent out to parents in the district said.

The vaccine for whooping cough was combined with those for diptheria and tetanus in the 1980s leading to decreases nationwide.

“According to public health officials, the vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease,” the district said in the message.

Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics if contracted.

According to a Park County release from the Wyoming Department of Health, whooping cough is spread through “respiratory material” when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can be serious for infants and children. While symptoms are normally seen between five and 10 days it can take as long as 21 days to see symptoms.

Early symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose and fever. After two weeks more intense coughing followed by vomiting can occur.

“If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of pertussis as described above, we strongly  recommend you contact your health care provider,” the release said. “The ill person must stay home from  school until pertussis has been excluded or they have received an appropriate antibiotic for at least five days.”

Household contacts of those diagnosed are advised to contact their health care providers and request five days of Azithromycin which can help prevent transmission.

While immunization is most effective in preventing the disease it can still be contracted, the release said, adding, it’s important to make sure that individuals are up to date on their vaccines and boosters.

For more information about the vaccine, contact your health care provider or the Park County Public Health Nursing Office at 307-754-8870.