Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND – The Health Department in Barton County is reporting a confirmed case of pertussis or whooping cough.

The highly contagious disease can lead to severe coughing attacks.

Shelly Schneider, Director of the Health Department, confirmed the news at Monday’s county commission meeting.

She said it is especially disappointing because it is preventable.

“Our goal is to get as many people immunized as we can,” said Schneider. “Infants are at greatest risk and it can be fatal to them.”

The health department in Great Bend will be holding a special immunization clinic on Thursday.

There are two different types of vaccinations. D-Tap is designed for children ages seven and younger. T-Dap is used for those age 10 and older.