JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Arkansas has recorded 469 cases of whooping cough this year, marking the highest total in 16 years and surpassing 2024’s count by nearly 80 cases.

The 469 cases surpass last year’s total of 391, as of Nov. 18. The last time whooping cough exceeded 460 cases was in 2013 at 464.

Teens ages 10-19 account for 145 cases, nearly one-third of the total.

Infants under age 1 had 93 cases. Toddlers ages 1 to 4 had 89 cases. Young children are particularly susceptible to whooping cough and can suffer severe complications from it.

The disease causes severe symptoms in most patients. Nearly all developed persistent coughs, while three-quarters suffered violent coughing fits that left nearly half vomiting.

Health officials said a total of 239 women contracted whooping cough

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