A case of whooping cough has been reported at High Point Regional High School in Wantage.

In a letter sent home to parents on Thursday, the school said the department of health notified the district that a member of the community was diagnosed with pertussis, which is more commonly known as whooping cough.

The letter did not say whether the case was a student or teacher. The school advised parents to keep their kids home if they start exhibit symptoms.

The New Jersey Department of Health says pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The website says the first symptoms are like the common cold such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose and fever.

New Jersey requires a vaccination for pertussis for all children entering the sixth grade who are 11 years or older.