HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Haywood County health officials say another case of pertussis has been confirmed, increasing the total number of active cases to seven.
In a July 18, 2025, press release, county officials said the seventh case marks the first time an adult has contracted the infection in the county. All other reported cases are among children and teens under the age of 19.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing or sneezing. It can cause intense bouts of coughing that can make breathing, eating, and sleeping difficult. The illness can be especially dangerous for babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems…