A member of the Saline High School community was diagnosed with pertussis, a highly contagious disease also known as whooping cough, Washtenaw County Public Health Department confirmed Tuesday.

Kimberly Magdeleno, 4, receives a Tdap whooping cough booster shot.

Students, parents and staff at Saline High School were notified of the diagnosis as pertussis can spread easily among those in close contact and the disease can be severe, particularly for young children.

Pertussis is most likely to be transmitted to household members and those in group settings such schools, workplaces and childcare centers.

The Washtenaw County Public Health Department is advising that anyone who has been experiencing intermittent coughs that come in bursts, vomiting after coughing spells and coughing that lasts for 7 days or more contact their health care provider.

In 2010, pertussis was at a record high with 233 cases reported in Washtenaw County. In 2011 there were 26 cases and in 2012 there were 28.

The increase in cases of pertussis are due to a more accurate testing method, an increase in unvaccinated children and decreasing immunity in teens and adults who may not have gotten their Tdap vaccine booster.

For more information about pertussis, visit the Washtenaw County Public Health website.

Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for The Ann Arbor News. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.