The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is encouraging the public to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations as the province is seeing an increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis) across the province.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations.
Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, mild fever and cough. As the illness progresses, individuals may experience episodes of severe, prolonged coughing, often accompanied by a distinctive “whooping” sound during inhalation. These coughing fits can persist for up to eight weeks.
Pertussis spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as from contact with contaminated surfaces. Given its contagious nature, pertussis can easily be transmitted within communities.
Infants, particularly those too young to be fully vaccinated, are at the highest risk of pertussis complications, such as pneumonia, seizures and interruptions in breathing (apnea), which may require hospitalization.
It is crucial for individuals, especially those in close contact with infants, to ensure they are up to date with their pertussis immunization to protect these infants from the infection.
- Immunization against pertussis is provided to children at two, four, six and 18 months of age, before school entry (pre-kindergarten), and in Grade 9.
- Adults are recommended to receive a booster dose of the pertussis vaccine at least 10 years after their adolescent vaccination.
- Pregnant individuals are advised to receive the pertussis vaccine between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to pass on protective antibodies to their newborns.
Antibiotics can effectively treat pertussis, especially when administered early in the course of the illness. However, vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention.
For more information on pertussis vaccination schedules, symptoms, and preventive measures, please consult your healthcare provider or contact your local public health office.
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