(Beaverton, OR)  --  Officials at Beaverton High School say they've informed parents of a case of whooping cough that's been confirmed at the school.  The disease is highly contagious when direct contact is involved.  Symptoms of whooping cough, also called pertussis, often start similarly to a cold, followed by a severe cough that can last for weeks or even months.  Parents who want more information can call the Metropolitan Area Pertussis Surveillance program at 503-988-8816.