Associated Press Published

Health Officials Investigate Whooping Cough Case in Weirton

Students raising their hands

Hancock County health officials are investigating a whooping cough case involving a student at Weirton Elementary School.

County health department nursing supervisor Michelle Trunax tells WTOV-TV that another student is being tested for the disease, which also is known as pertussis.

Parents of other students are being notified about the possible risk of exposure. Trunax says parents are being advised to watch for signs of infection.

The disease is typically marked by a severe cough that is often followed by a deep breath that sounds like “whoop.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says early symptoms resemble a cold, and infected people are most contagious up to about two weeks after the cough begins.