Pertussis cases rise in south

AHS DECLARES OUTBREAK OF WHOOPING COUGH

With 17 confirmed cases, Alberta Health Services has declared an outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) in the west part of South Zone, and officials are reminding all South Zone residents of the importance of immunization to prevent further illness.

Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing that lasts for weeks. Infants one year of age and younger are at greatest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and even death.

AHS officials said Wednesday that of the 17 confirmed cases of pertussis in the South Zone this year, 12 have been confirmed in the past week alone and are linked. These 12 linked cases are all within the west part of the South Zone.

There were 58 confirmed cases in the South Zone last year.

AHS says all South Zone residents are reminded to ensure they, and their children, are up to date on their immunizations. Individuals uncertain of their child’s immunization history can contact their local community health centre or public health office to discuss and to book an appointment.

In Alberta, vaccine that protects against pertussis is offered to children, free of charge, through Alberta’s Routine Childhood Immunization schedule. All adults 18 years of age and older are advised to receive one adult dose of pertussis-containing vaccine.

Pertussis typically starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever and mild cough. During about a week, the cough will become more severe with repetitive coughing spells.

AHS is reminding people with a confirmed case of pertussis that they should stay home from work, school or child care until five days of antibiotics have been completed.