FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The record number of whooping cough cases in the Natural State continues to grow, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
The ADH says 489 cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, have been reported this year as of Dec. 2. Department data shows that this is the most reported cases in the state since 2013 (464 cases) and the most in at least 15 years.
At least four cases of whooping cough have been reported within Fayetteville High School in the last six weeks, a spokesperson with the district confirmed to KNWA/FOX24 last week.
4 whooping cough cases confirmed at Fayetteville High School
Arkansas State Epidemiologist Dr. Austin Porter said in a statement that the department was aware of the ongoing transmission of whooping cough in the Fayetteville area. Porter also said that over the last three months, at least 10 cases have been reported locally, with most occurring among school-aged children.
Statewide, 415 of the 486 cases have been reported among people under the age of 20…