EL DORADO, Ark.(KTVE/KARD) — Health officials in Arkansas are raising concerns as cases of whooping cough continue to climb statewide, reaching the highest levels seen in more than 16 years.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, nearly 500 cases of whooping cough have been reported so far this year. That marks a significant increase compared to recent years, when just over 100 cases were recorded across the previous four years combined. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Health officials note that Arkansas typically experiences spikes in cases every few years, but this year’s surge has been especially sharp.
Early symptoms often resemble those of a common cold, including a mild cough, runny nose, and fever. As the illness progresses, however, patients may develop severe coughing fits that can last up to ten weeks, making the disease particularly dangerous for children and vulnerable populations. Data from the Department of Health shows that young people are among the most affected. Approximately 31 percent of reported cases this year involve children and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 19…