Arkansas Logs Record Pertussis Cases Amid Respiratory Surge

The Arkansas Department of Health reported more than 500 pertussis cases in 2025-26, the highest annual total since tracking began 15 years ago, spanning over 50 counties with no regional concentration.[1] Children and adolescents dominate cases, triggering at least 50 hospitalizations—over 60% in infants under 1 year—and one death.[1] State Epidemiology Supervisor Haytham Safi, MD, highlighted these trends in the Viral Respiratory Diseases Weekly Report for the week ending April 18, 2026, noting 'minimal' influenza-like illness activity at 1 out of 13, with outpatient ILI visits at 1.6% and school absenteeism averaging 6.9%.[4] Flu, RSV and COVID-19 compound the crisis, with CDC data showing Arkansas at 'high' respiratory illness levels based on emergency department visits.[2][6] This season marks 35 influenza outbreaks in nursing homes and congregate settings, while national estimates tally 7.5 million flu illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths, predominantly from Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K.[1] RSV emergency visits hit 'very high' in Arkansas, per CDC metrics, fueling calls for early intervention.[2][5] 'Vaccination remains the most effective prevention strategy,' ADH officials stress, urging annual flu shots for all ages 6 months and up, alongside prompt antibiotics for pertussis.[1][3] COVID-19 infections grow in 39 states including Arkansas, influenza in 29 and RSV in 41, per CDC forecasts.[1] Residents in counties from Pulaski to the Ozarks face heightened risks, with ADH advising doctor visits for persistent symptoms over ER rushes.[2][4]