Health’s Latest News & Events
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Pertussis is caused by bacteria infecting the mouth, nose, and throat. It is spread through the air by cough. Pertussis is usually mild in older children and adults, but often causes serious problems in infants less than 1 year of age or those children who are un-immunized or under-immunized.
Pertussis symptoms appear 5 to 21 days after infection, usually within 7-10 days. Usually only close contacts of persons with pertussis become infected. Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms (sneezing and a runny nose) and a cough that gradually becomes worse. After one to two weeks, the cough usually occurs in strong “coughing fits”. In young children, this is often followed by a whooping noise, as they try to catch their breath.
After coughing, a person may have difficulty catching their breath, vomit, or become blue in the face from lack of air. Between coughing spells, the person may appear well. There is generally no fever. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help reduce the coughing. Coughing fits can last six weeks or longer. Adults, teens, and vaccinated children often have milder symptoms similar to bronchitis or asthma.
Please consider the following recommendations:
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If your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, talk to your child’s doctor. Report any possible pertussis infections to the school nurse, daycare supervisor or the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District at (254) 750-5411.
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Infants under one year of age are most likely to have severe illness. When possible, infants should be kept away from people with a cough. Any infant with a coughing illness should be seen by their doctor as soon as possible.
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If you have children less than 7 years of age who have not been completely vaccinated for pertussis (particularly infants under one year of age), talk to you child’s doctor about the benefits of vaccination.
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Adults are also at risk for pertussis. The adult vaccine, TDaP is recommended for all adults.
Funeral Director's Conference Registration Brochure
2010-11 Annual Report
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Planning to eat out?
Make sure to eat well!
The Eat Well Dining Guide-
Waco's newest helpful dining guide to find healthy options is available NOW!
Attention College Students:
The State Funded Meningococcal Vaccine supply is no longer available. The Immunization Clinic still can provide the vaccine for a fee ($123-128). For more information call 254-750-5410.
FLU & PNEUMONIA SHOTS are now available at the Health District...
Three types offered: traditional shot, the nasal spray and the new intradermal shot
(Intradermal shot uses a shorter needle and is injected under the skin instead of the muscle.)
Cost: $20 - $25 for an adult flu shot, $14.85 for children 18 years of age and under
The Health District accepts Medicare Part B and Medicaid. The clinic is located at 225 W. Waco Drive.
Clinic Hours:
Monday 8:30-11:30 1:30-4:30
Tuesday 8:30-11:30 1:30-4:30
Wednesday 8:30-11:30 1:30-7:30
Thursday 8:30-11:30 1:30-4:30
Friday 8:30-11:30
For more information you can contact the Immunization Clinic at 750-5410.
Watch the Latest Health Wise
Watch Health Wise, a monthly series produced by the City of Waco, and learn about local health events and issues.
The Waco-McLennan County Health District shows us how they are working toward their mission of protecting the health of our community.
National League of Cities (NLC)
Prescription Discount Card:
A FREE program offered to help you save money
on the high cost of prescription medications.
This prescription discount card is brought to you
by your city government in collaborationwith the NLC.
Use the card anytime your prescriptions are not covered by insurance.
Eat Well Waco:
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District
has initiated Eat Well Waco as a new community
health promotion program.
The goal of the program is to improve nutrition options in restaurants and to empower consumers to make healthier choices when dining out.
When you see the Eat Well Waco logo on a restaurant door, you can be assured that it is a clean and safe environment that offers healthy menu items.
About the Health District
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District serves a population of more than 230,000 in and around McLennan County. Examples of services we provide include health education, nutrition counseling, dental care, disease control, immunizations, HIV-AIDS services, sexually transmitted disease treatment, birth and death records and environmental health inspections.
The Health District, a department within the City of Waco organization, is affiliated with the Department of State Health Services and is funded by grants, governmental entities, Medicare, Medicaid and user fees.
