Conant student has whooping cough

A student at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates has been diagnosed with whooping cough, according to a letter sent to parents and guardians by Principal Julie Nowak Thursday.

As per standard procedure, the school is working with the Cook County Department of Public Health.

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.

According to Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 officials, there are several such cases in the district each year and students diagnosed are not allowed to return to school until a doctor's note confirms the infection is over.

This school year, there was one case at Palatine High School in December and one at Schaumburg High School in November. Both remained isolated cases, officials said.