APPLETON (WFRV) -- The Appleton School District is reporting several cases of confirmed whooping cough.

District officials learned about the first case of whooping cough earlier this month.

Although students are on Christmas break, every step is being taken to make sure parents are informed and students infected are treated.

A letter on the district's website said there have been cases at five schools: Classical, Kaleidoscope Appleton North High School, Appleton West High School and Ferber Elementary.

Health department officials advise parents to contact a doctor if a child develops symptoms.

"They start out like a common cold with a low grade fever, a running noise and there is a cough that will get worst over the course of 1 to 2 weeks and then the cough will get more serious as a child may gasp for air at the end of the cough," said Kurt Eggebrecht of the Appleton Health Department.

Whooping Cough is treated by use of antibiotics.

Here's a link to read the entire letter.