Parents at a Derby elementary school were notified about a confirmed case of whooping cough on Wednesday.

Notices were sent out to families at Derby Hills Elementary School informing them about a student who had been diagnosed with whooping cough.

Parents of students who attend the school are asked to monitor their children for a cough through March 4.

The Sedgwick County Health Department says pertussis, also known as whooping cough, affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It's a severe cough that lasts for weeks or months.

Anyone can get pertussis but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems.

The health department says the best defense against whooping cough is the DTap vaccine. Protection from the vaccine can decrease over time.

The health department says families should make sure they're vaccines are up-to-date. You can call your doctor or the Sedgwick County Health Department at 316-660-7300 for the Tdap booster.