FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KFSM) — A second case of pertussis, better known as whooping cough, has been confirmed at Fayetteville High School.
The first case was confirmed in late January at FHS.
The Arkansas Department of Health requires students in the same school with a student with a confirmed case of pertussis who have vaccine exemptions for the pertussis (Tdap) vaccine or no record of the vaccination to be excluded from school for 21 days from the date of exposure.
The student's identity has not been released.
This is the seventh case of whooping cough in Northwest Arkansas since the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year.
The school district released a statement saying custodians are providing additional cleaning on campus.
The ADH says the only way to prevent pertussis or stop the spread is through vaccination even after exposure.
Whooping cough affects the respiratory tract and is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella Pertussis.
It can be treated with an antibiotic if treated soon after the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms can seem like a mild cold at first, but it's followed by severe coughing fits that can lead to vomiting or fainting.
Anyone with a severe cough should stay home from work or school and be evaluated by a doctor for possible treatment.
For more information on pertussis, please see this link from the Centers for Disease Control.