INDEPENDENCE - The Buchanan County Health Center on Tuesday confirmed a case of whooping cough.

Hospital workers would not release specifics about the case. In a press release, health officials said the public should not become overly alarmed but should be cautious.

Whooping cough is an upper respiratory infection most dangerous to infants. It is characterized by uncontrollable coughing spells and, in children, a whooping noise when they inhale. The infection is generally transmitted through saliva, for example, by kissing, sharing drink glasses or cigarettes.

Individuals typically transmit the disease only after close contact with people they live with or are around 20 hours per week or more.

The risk to infants and young children can be decreased by immunization, but no vaccination exists for anyone more than 7 years old.

For information, health officials are advising residents to call family physicians or the Buchanan County Health Department at (319) 334-2818.