CLINTON — The Arkansas Department of Health said Tuesday that it is investigating an outbreak of whooping cough at Clinton Intermediate School in Clinton.
The agency said it is working closely with local doctors and the school in an effort to reduce the spread of the disease. Students at the school are getting booster vaccines, and children with symptoms consistent with whooping cough are getting antibiotics to prevent spread of the infection, the agency said.
It was unknown late Tuesday how many children are affected at the school or what the absenteeism rate has been.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory ailment that can cause serious illness in infants, children and adults. People with whooping cough usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the bacteria.
Symptoms usually develop within seven to 10 days after exposure and include persistent, rapid coughing fits; a “whooping” sound caused by rapid intake of air after a coughing fit; throwing up because of extreme coughing; and exhaustion after coughing fits.
Arkansas, Pages 14 on 11/15/2012