Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory tract infection, and there are outbreaks in West Virginia and Ohio. Four cases have been reported at Hurricane High School and other cases were found in Cabell County and Lawrence County, Ohio, according to the Marshall Health Network. Symptoms typically appear five to 10 days after exposure to bacteria and may appear like a common cold. One to two weeks after symptoms occur, the coughing fits could turn severe and linger for more than two months. Vaccines are widely available and recommended.