PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — For the second time in four days, the Floyd County Health Department is notifying the public of a confirmed case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.

In a letter to residents, Floyd County Public Health Director Martha Ellis said the latest case brings the total number of cases in the county to five.

Pertussis is a highly-contagious respiratory illness that can be dangerous for infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

As in last week’s letter, Ellis noted the health department is investigating the case and working to reduce spread of the illness.

A copy of the letter follows: