WACO, Texas — The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District said it is investigating three cases of whooping cough, which is also known as pertussis.
Whooping cough is an infection that affects the airways, and it can spread easily through coughing or sneezing, the health district said. The infection can cause a severe cough lasting for weeks or months, and coughing fits and vomiting are symptoms as well.
According to the health district, other symptoms may include a runny nose, sore and watery red eyes, a dry cough and low-grade fever.
Whooping cough can affect anyone, however, it can be very dangerous for babies and people with weak immune systems.
The infection can also spread when an infected person talks, or has contact with hands, tissues and other infected objects.
The health district said a vaccination is the best protection against whooping cough. The vaccine is available for children and adults. Other ways to stop it from spreading include covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands regularly and staying away from work or school if you develop symptoms.
The health district said the best treatment is prevention, but antibiotics are available. Antibiotics are only useful very early in the illness, the health district said.
Here are the hours of Waco's Immunization Clinic located at 225 West Waco Drive:
- Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Second and fourth Wednesday of the month: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Third Wednesday of the month: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Second Saturday of the month: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For more information, go the health district's website.
Other stories on KCENTV.com:
