HUTCHINSON Kan. — Although no specifics were given, a spokesperson with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says they are looking at options for dealing with a small Reno County mobile home park that is still under a boil water advisory.

The state placed the Western Acres Mobile Home Park near Yaggy Field under the advisory Aug. 8 after those responsible failed to provide the KDHE well test samples. The park is required to provide two samples to the state agency each month. The KDHE says it is exploring enforcement options against the park and will take the appropriate action as soon as possible.

Under the advisory, residents need to boil water for one minute before drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water; dispose ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker; and disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department is investigating a possible outbreak of pertussis or “whooping cough” as it is known.

Currently, five cases of pertussis have been reported and are still under investigation. Other possible cases are also being investigated at this time.

Pertussis is a highly-contagious respiratory infection that often causes serious problems and can be fatal in infants less than one year of age. Symptoms in adults and older children can be less severe. Symptoms generally appear four to 21 days after exposure to pertussis. Pertussis usually starts out with cold or flu-like symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, fever, and cough that last 1-2 weeks. Symptoms worsen over time and the cough generally gets more severe.

Coughing spells in the next stages of pertussis can be followed by the “whoop” sound that is made when trying to inhale during or after a severe coughing spell. Person’s lips may also turn blue or they may vomit after a coughing spell.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges individuals that suspect they have pertussis to limit contact with unvaccinated children and see a physician as soon as possible. Please make sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date.

Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine “DTaP” decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a pertussis booster shot called “Tdap” to protect themselves and infants near or around them. If you need the Tdap vaccine, contact your doctor or call the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900.