When Chelsey Charles learned whooping cough cases were surging in Washington, like many other parents, she worried for her family’s health.

Haywood County Health and Human Services confirmed six cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in children and teens under the age of 19 in Haywood County.

ELKINS — Randolph-Elkins Health Department officials are reminding parents that vaccinations are still required for children planning to attend school in Randolph County this upcoming school year.

Whooping cough tends to peak around this time of year and in the fall. It's usually spread through respiratory droplets in the air, when people with pertussis cough, sneeze or breathe close to others.

A whooping cough outbreak has hit Haywood County, with six cases confirmed as of July 10 — up from five cases when the ...