Seventeen cases of whooping cough diagnosed in south zone so far this year

An outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) has been declared by Alberta Health Services for the western part of the south zone.

AHS is reminding all residents however of the importance of immunization to prevent further illness.

Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing lasting for weeks and can impact people of all ages. Infants younger than a year old are at the greatest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and even death.

This year there have been 17 confirmed cases of pertussis in the south zone. A total of 12 have been confirmed in the past week alone and are linked.

There were 58 confirmed cases in the south zone last year, said AHS.

In Alberta, vaccine that protects against pertussis is offered to children, free of charge, through Alberta’s Routine Childhood Immunization schedule. Pregnant women in the third trimester (26 weeks) are also offered pertussis-containing vaccine. Offering vaccine to women in the third trimester of pregnancy is an important step in protecting not only the mother but also infants, who are the most vulnerable to developing severe complications from pertussis.

All adults 18 years of age and older are advised to receive one adult dose of pertussis-containing vaccine, says AHS. Residents are reminded to ensure they, and their children, are up to date on their immunizations.

If you are uncertain of your child’s immunization history please contact the local community health centre on Dunmore Road (next to Boston Pizza) to book an appointment.

Pertussis starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever and mild cough. Typically the cough will become more severe with repetitive coughing spells. In younger children, these coughing spells are usually followed by a “whooping” sound when inhaling. Vomiting after a spell of coughing is common.

If you suspect you or someone in your home has pertussis you should stay at home and call a family physician or Health Link at 811.

Individuals with a confirmed case of pertussis should stay home from work, school or child care until five days of antibiotics have been completed.