Mercer Health Dept: 7 cases of whooping cough in county - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - The Mercer County Health Department wants to educate residents on whooping cough after seven cases have been confirmed in the county.

Health Department Director Melody Rickman said the number of cases is high for Mercer, with zero being the normal.

The seven confirmed cases come from people all over the county and in different age groups.

Rickman says children or adults can be affected, even those who have had the vaccination. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible.

Rickman advises anyone who experiences a dry cough that could provoke vomiting or loss of breath for more than two weeks should be checked for whooping cough.

Parents should also make sure children are updated on their vaccines. A vaccine required for 7th and 12th graders prevents against whooping cough.

Children may also demonstrate a 'whooping' sound when they gasp for breath.

The United States has experienced an increase in whooping cough -- or pertussis -- cases this year, with experts predicting numbers could hit a record high.

 For more information on Whooping Cough, visit the CDC website, or click the links to the left