Whooping cough found at Geist Elem.

FORTVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Two cases of whooping cough have been identified at Geist Elementary School the Hamilton Southeastern School district reported in a letter to parents Friday.

Symptoms begin 7 to 10 days following exposure to pertussis (Whooping Cough) and can last up to 21 days. The first symptoms are similar to a common cold with a mild cough. The cough begins to get more severe and may occur more frequently during sleep.

The Centers for Disease Control says people with the cough often have trouble catching their breath, causing a whooping sound.

In the letter, the school informs parents that they will be called to pick up their children if they exhibit symptoms in school.

Students diagnosed with pertussis must be kept home until after they have taken five full days of antibiotics.