GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Wayne County Health Department says it has confirmed a case of whooping cough in a school.

A student at Meadow Lane Elementary School was diagnosed with the respiratory illness.

Health officials say they worked closely with Wayne County Public Schools to identify students and staff who had been exposed to the illness.

According to the health department, whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads by coughing or sneezing.

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, often begins with cold-like symptoms before becoming more serious.

The cough can last for weeks or months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment with antibiotics may make the infection less serious. 

Babies younger than 1 and those who are immunocompromised and who have asthma are more susceptible to infection.

The CDC says the best way to combat the illness is with a vaccination.