A person at WSU Pullman has a confirmed case of whooping cough, WSU announced Tuesday in a campus-wide email.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious disease that first presents itself with similar symptoms to a cold, like a runny nose and mild cough. Cold-like symptoms are followed by a severe cough that may last for weeks or months, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health conditions. WSU is asking students and staff experiencing cold-like symptoms to stay home to mitigate the risk of spreading the illness.

Vaccination is the best protection against whooping cough. WSU students are required to have the Tdap vaccine, which protects against pertussis, according to the Office of Records, Policies and Forms. The CDC recommends a Tdap booster for adults every 10 years. The vaccine is available to students through Cougar Health Services.

To prevent the spread, steer clear of those who are ill, as whooping cough easily spreads through the air when sick people cough or sneeze near others. Symptoms typically appear within 10 days; however, it can take up to three weeks before symptoms start. 

Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics. If treated, the infected person is allowed to return to work or school after five days of antibiotic treatment, as they are no longer contagious. Without treatment, a person remains contagious for three to four weeks after coughing begins. 

There have been 750 probable and confirmed cases of pertussis reported this year in Washington, according to data from the Washington State Department of Health, though that number is expected to grow with the addition of Pullman’s confirmed whooping cough case.

WSU is asking students to keep a close eye on their health for the next three weeks. If you develop a fever, cough or signs of respiratory illness, WSU asks that you be evaluated by a healthcare provider.