A student at Preston Middle School has been diagnosed with pertussis, A.K.A. whooping cough, according to the Coloradoan.

The student diagnosed with the bacterial illness is being treated with antibiotics, and will remain out of school until he's been treated for five days.

Pertussis, which is often spread through sneezing and coughing, usually takes anywhere from seven to ten days after exposure to appear, but symptoms could be seen up to 21 days after exposure...It’s characterized by severe coughing spells, breathlessness, a change in facial color and a whooping sound after coughing fits. It can last from six to ten weeks.

If yo or your kids start showing signs of whooping cough, contact your healthcare professional immediately.

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