A student at Pea Ridge Intermediate School has been diagnosed with pertussis, or whooping cough, according to the school district's website.
Whooping cough is a contagious disease involving the respiratory tract.
"Please pay attention to your child's respiratory symptoms over the next week," according to the letter signed by Dr. Jennifer Dillaha of the Arkansas Department of Health posted on the website. "Symptoms of pertussis can seem like a mild cold at first. Then it is followed by severe coughing fits that can lead to vomiting or fainting. Anyone with severe cough should stay home from work or school and be evaluated by a doctor for possible treatment."
Coughing fits from whooping cough can make it difficult to breathe and can be life-threatening for some people, especially infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Health Department recommends the DTaP vaccine to help prevent whooping cough. Although state law requires the vaccine, parents may ask that their children be exempt based on religious, philosophical or medical reasons.
NW News on 11/07/2019