Southwestern Public Health is warning about an increase in cases of pertussis or whooping cough across the health unit’s coverage area.
They are urging parents and guardians to keep themselves and their children up to date with the pertussis vaccine.
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. It can be treated with antibiotics and is no longer spreadable after five days of treatment.
Anyone who has a cough lasting longer than a week should seek assessment through their primary care provider.
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.
