The Washoe County Health District has confirmed four cases of whooping cough or pertussis at Bishop Manogue High School. The school is cooperating with the Health District and has agreed to close the school until Monday, in order protect students and staff. Whooping cough is a highly-contagious disease known for uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe. The Health District sent out a letter to parents or guardians of Bishop Manogue students to alert them of the exposure to whooping cough and recommendations. Whooping cough is fairly common in the United States. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, fever and a mild cough. Severe coughing spells can begin after a week or two.