Southwestern Public Health Warns of Rising Cases of Pertussis in the Region

June 6th, 2024

Update:

Here is some additional information about pertussis along with a recording of what 'whooping cough' sounds like in young children. Pertussis can begin as a mild fever, runny nose, with red watery eyes and a cough. It leads to serious coughing fits that may cause breathing difficulty, choking or vomiting.

Symptoms for infants include: severe cough, choking after coughing, feeding poorly, and having difficulty breathing. Complications for infants can include: vomiting, weight loss, pneumonia, convulsions, and brain damage.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pertussis-whooping-cough/symptoms.html

Southwestern Public Health warns of rising cases of pertussis in the region

Southwestern Public Health is urging parents and guardians to keep themselves and their children up to date with the pertussis vaccine after a recent rise in cases in the region. Public health advises anyone who has a cough lasting longer than one week to seek assessment through their primary care provider.

Pertussis, known as ‘whooping cough,’ was one of the most common childhood diseases and a major cause of child mortality in the 20th century. Following the development of a vaccine and its routine administration to children, cases and deaths decreased significantly.

Symptoms of pertussis begin with a runny nose or nasal congestion, sneezing, mild cough, and/or mild fever. The cough, which can last anywhere from 2-8 weeks, gets progressively worse and may lead to vomiting or trouble breathing and coughing up mucous. It can most often be recognized by the loud ‘whooping’ sound that occurs when the child is inhaling after a coughing spell. Additionally, it can be treated with antibiotics and is no longer spreadable after five days of treatment.

“Staying up to date with vaccinations helps protect your child and those around them against pertussis as well as other vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health. “Untreated pertussis in infants can lead to hospitalization, brain damage, and death.”

Pregnant individuals are recommended to be vaccinated with every pregnancy between 27-32 weeks' gestation to protect their infants who are most at risk of serious infection from pertussis. This vaccination can be booked online at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking.

Additionally, Southwestern Public Health is monitoring pertussis cases in schools. If a student receives a letter from public health about pertussis exposures and develops a cough, they are encouraged to get tested by their primary care provider.

“Please stay home if you are ill, wash your hands, and cover your cough,” says Dr. Tran.

Media Contact:

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