Third case of whooping cough reported at Apex High School

School administrators placed the calls and sent letters to parents Monday saying the Wake County Human Services Department had confirmed that a third unidentified student had been diagnosed with pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

In a statement posted on the Apex High School website, officials said they are working to limit the spread of the illness.

"We are working closely with the county health department and following state health protocols," the statement said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pertussis, in the early stages, is characterized by symptoms similar to a mild cough or fever and can last up to two weeks.

The CDC says that, if left untreated, the disease can include fits of rapid coughing followed by a high-pitched whooping sound, vomiting and exhaustion. Treatment includes antibiotics and can require a trip to the hospital if it has advanced far enough without medication, the CDC says.

Health officials say whooping cough is spread by coughs or sneezes and is easily transmitted among those who share close quarters with someone who has the illness.

School officials said the recent case is the third such incident reported in recent weeks.