Whooping cough outbreak continues to grow
The number of whooping cough cases are on the rise in southern Alberta, and they’ve more than doubled since last week.
Alberta Health Services says there are now 46 cases of pertussis in the South Zone, 38 of which are linked to the current outbreak which was declared on June 7. This is up from 17 cases last week. The cases linked to this outbreak are located in the west part of the South Zone.
“We know that with whooping cough, if there are 38 cases there are probably many more out there,” said Dr. Vivien Suttorp, South Zone’s Medical Officer of Health. “The kids we find out about because they get quite sick. A lot of older children and adults may have mild disease, but are still at risk of spreading it.”
Pertussis, or whooping cough as it’s commonly known, is a bacterial infection of the airways. It’s easily spread by sneezing or coughing and by direct contact with someone who is infected. The bacteria can live for two to five days on dry objects like clothes, glass or paper.
The symptoms are similar to viral respiratory illnesses, Suttorp said. They include a runny nose, sneezing, a low-grade fever and mild cough.
After several days, the cough becomes persistent.
“In children, they may have that ‘whooping’ sound after a big coughing spell. It’s those really incredible coughing spells that cause a lot of the distress. That may last a week or two, then it enters the final stage, or convalescent stage, and that may last weeks to months of that ongoing cough which slowly decreases over time.”
Those most at risk of severe complications are very young children, Suttorp said. Those complications may include pneumonia, very difficult breathing, seizures or death.
“Again, a reminder there was a child here in the local area who died of whooping cough in 2012,” she said.
The outbreak has prompted letters notifying local schools, as well as to physician offices, midwives and pharmacies.
“Just to provide general information to the public that as we are entering this outbreak, and it’s taking off quickly, to be proactive about this,” said Suttorp. “Immunization is safe and effective. Please ensure you and your children are up to date with immunization.”
Two schools in the South Zone have confirmed cases of whooping cough, said Suttorp. Parents, teachers and staff at those schools have been notified to watch for any symptoms.
Suttorp said it’s difficult to determine what started the outbreak, however, the spread is linked to immunization rates.
“In areas where there are low immunization rates in children and in adults, anywhere you go... there are usually outbreaks every three to five years,” she said. “And this one was picked up locally, it’s not even related to travel.”
AHS has launched a website to update the public on pertussis cases across the province. It will be updated on Mondays and Thursdays. It also contains resource information and guidance for parents on immunization and how to prevent future spread.
People who suspect they, or a family member, may be sick with pertussis should stay at home and call a family physician or Health Link at 811 before seeking medical care.