Whooping Cough outbreak at Clinton school

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of Whooping Cough at the Clinton Intermediate School in Clinton.

“We have confirmed cases at the school and more who have some of the early symptoms, so we are concerned that we may soon see more illness at the school and in the community if we don’t take action to contain the spread of the illness,” said Gary Wheeler, MD, ADH branch chief for Infectious Disease.

ADH is giving booster vaccines for all the students at the school and providing antibiotics to those with symptoms.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. ADH says vaccinations are available at the Van Buren County Local Health Unit. For those without health insurance, the vaccine will be provided at no cost.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough:

• persistent, rapid coughing fits
• a “whooping” sound, caused by rapid intake of air following a coughing fit
• vomiting caused by extreme coughing
• exhaustion after coughing fits