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Alberta Health Services (AHS) is urging Albertans to protect themselves from Pertussis (Whooping Cough) after an increase in cases has been identified in the Okotoks area.
AHS describes Pertussis as a “bacterial infection that causes severe and prolonged coughing that lasts for weeks. It can impact people of all ages, however, infants one year and younger are at greater risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and death.”
Seventeen cases of whooping cough has been confirmed in the Okotoks area since November 2023, including one required hospitalization. AHS said 39 cases, including Okotoks, have been confirmed in all of Calgary Zone during this time.
According to AHS, whoopin cough starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever, and mild cough. Within a week, the cough will become severe with repetitive coughing spells. These coughing spells in younger children are usually followed by a “whooping sound” when inhaling. Patients may also vomit after a coughing spell.
AHS is urging those who think they may have whooping cough to stay at home and call a family physician or Health Link at 811 before seeking medical care. It is advisable to stay at home until five days of treatment with appropriate antibiotics have been completed.
The best way to prevent against whooping cough is immunization, which according to AHS is safe and effective. The health body advises regular hand washing, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and remembering not to share food and drinks or cutlery.
Presently, Whooping Cough vaccine is free for children, pregnant women in their third trimester (27 weeks) and adults who have not had a tetanus booster in the past 10 years. AHS says the pertussis vaccine also prevents against tetanus and diphtheria.
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