HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Hilliard City Schools building has confirmed one case of whooping cough, alerting parents to be on the lookout. Hilliard Tharp Sixth Grade Principal Scott Snyder sent an email to parents warning of one confirmed case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. The highly contagious bacterial illness can linger for several weeks, although early access to antibiotics can help shorten the illness and how long patients are contagious. In the email, obtained by NBC4, parents were told to keep an eye out for early symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, fever and cough. According to the CDC, people can be contagious from the start of symptoms up through at least two weeks after coughing begins. "This message is to inform you that your child may have been exposed, and if he/she experiences any of these symptoms or is in close contact of a pertussis case, please call your child’s healthcare provider for medical evaluation," Snyder wrote. The email also mentioned the CDC's recommendation that those ages 10 and older should receive the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Parents were encouraged to reach out to their children's doctors if they have questions or concerns.