Maine South student has whooping cough

A Maine South High School student has been diagnosed with a case of whooping cough, the school said Tuesday.

Shared through an announcement on the school's website, the Cook County Department of Public Health alerted the school of the student's recent diagnosis. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is spread through coughing and sneezing.

According to the Department of Health, symptoms include runny nose, sneezing and fever and can progress to severe coughing fits.