Benton County Health Department and Philomath School District officials are working to prevent the spread of pertussis n commonly known as "whooping cough" n after two confirmed cases were identified at Philomath High School.

Parents of possibly exposed students and their teachers have been notified and given information detailing symptoms and preventive steps. The two students have been kept at home and are receiving medical treatment.

Between February 2004 and May 2005, 307 cases of whooping cough were reported in Benton County. During the same time span several other large outbreaks occurred elsewhere around the state. For the past three years there has been one detected case of pertussis each year in Benton County.

"While two cases of pertussis are not cause for immediate alarm, it is important to build awareness around the disease to prevent its spread," Benton County Public Health Deputy Director Charlie Fautin said.

Pertussis is a bacterial disease of the respiratory tract and is contagious. Pertussis symptoms start out like a common cold, with runny nose or congestion, sneezing and mild cough or fever. After a week or two, severe coughing begins. Children with the disease cough violently and rapidly continually until the air is gone from their lungs. This causes an inhale with a loud "whooping" sound.

The best ways to prevent the spread of pertussis are for people to stay home when they believe they are ill, wash hands regularly, cover mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and to get vaccinated. Pertussis vaccine is available and should be administered to young children. In the past four years a new vaccine has become available for individuals between 11 and 64 years old.