WALHALLA — State health officials have notified the School District of Oconee County that there are two confirmed cases of whooping cough at Northside Elementary School in Seneca, including the one case that was reported earlier this week.

One confirmed case of whooping cough, or pertussis, also has been identified at James M. Brown Elementary School in Walhalla, along with one suspected case at Walhalla Elementary School.

“Letters from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control have been given to the students in the affected schools, and any parent whose child exhibits signs or symptoms of pertussis should contact their family physician,” said Kay Powell, school district spokeswoman.

Superintendent Mike Lucas said the district is working with the health department, and information is available on his blog on the district’s Web site at oconee.k12.sc.us.

Information is also available at the national Centers for Disease Control Web site.

According to the state health department, most communities can expect a few cases of whooping cough each year.

Whooping cough is highly contagious, especially in crowded settings such as schools, and children under 5-years-old are the most susceptible to the disease, officials said.

A vaccination is available for children and it is required for children attending school and day care in South Carolina.

Symptoms are very similar those of a cold and include a cough that gradually becomes more severe in one to two weeks. The cough could last up to six weeks, and antibiotics are used for treatment as well as prevention for those who have come into close contact with infected people, according to officials.

Symptoms are very similar those of a cold and include a cough that gradually becomes more severe in one to two weeks. The cough could last up to six weeks, and antibiotics are used for treatment as well as prevention for those who have come into close contact with infected people, according to officials.