Health officials have confirmed four cases of pertussis, (whooping cough) in Buncombe County. Three other cases have been identified, which health officials say are connected to the four lab-confirmed cases. Dr. Jennifer Mullendore is director of Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services. She told BPR's Helen Chickering that the cases are spread out among students at five different schools. Here’s more from Buncombe County Health and Human Services: Buncombe County Health and Human