Whooping cough spreads in Southern Health

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This article was published 21/04/2023 (1281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whooping cough is on the rise in the Southern Health regional health authority, and the organization is urging people to get vaccinated or treatment as needed.

An April 14 press release stated that 27 cases has been reported in Southern Health, with that number growing to 35 by Monday.

Dr. Davinder Singh, medical officer of health for Southern Health, said the bulk of the cases have presented in those who have not been vaccinated or are under vaccinated in the Winkler/Morden area.

Described as more infectious than the flu but less than measles, whooping cough (pertussis) is most contagious during the initial stages of the illness when symptoms initially resemble those of the common cold. The disease is spread through respiratory droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing.

Singh said vaccinations are available and highly effective.

Infants are scheduled to be vaccinated for whooping cough at two, four and six months of age with a booster scheduled for 18 months.

Another shot is recommended for those 4-6 years old and for Grade 8 students.

Adults should get a booster with their tetanus shot, which should be taken every 10 years.

Immunization is also recommended for all pregnant women, between 27 and 32 weeks of gestation, no matter their immunization history.

“We’re very fortunate that it’s a vaccine preventable disease,” he said.

After the initial vaccinations, the effectiveness is rated at 90 percent.

Those who are vaccinated but still get whooping cough will generally experience milder symptoms and more positive outcomes.

The first symptoms of whooping cough usually show up seven to 10 days after exposure, but could appear up to 21 days after exposure. It usually starts with a mild fever, runny nose, watery eyes and a cough. It can also lead to serious coughing fits with symptoms remaining anywhere from one to 10 weeks.

Singh said severity is greatest among infants, those one year or younger.

They are at greatest risk of developing serious complications including swelling of the brain (encephalopathy) and death. Pregnant women in their third trimester are also at higher risk for more severe disease.

In fact, Singh said 20 to 30 percent of infants who get whooping cough will be admitted to hospitals. One in 400 will die of complications from pneumonia or brain damage.

“These preventable measures are extremely important,” he said.

While the numbers are high enough to prompt a warning, they aren’t unusual.

Singh said every four or five years they have higher numbers, totaling 118 for 2012 and 116 for 2016. So far they are on track for similar numbers.

Antibiotics are effective to fight whooping cough and Singh urges anyone with symptoms to seek treatment and limit their exposure to infants or those more vulnerable.

Families with young children or pregnant women should talk to their healthcare provider, pharmacist or local public health office about getting immunized or call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257.