HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Haywood County health officials confirmed a 10th active case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in the county. The number is up from nine reported cases on July 23.
Haywood Health and Human Services’ update on Monday said the cases consist of one adult, with the rest being children or teens under 19.
Health officials said pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can cause intense coughing fits that interfere with breathing, eating, and sleeping. The illness can be especially dangerous for babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems…