By Leah Murray

Whooping cough outbreak not slowing down

Aug 6, 2017 | 5:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A whooping cough outbreak remains in effect for parts of southern Alberta.

Alberta Health Services issued a release on June 7th and says there doesn’t appear to be a break in the number of cases being reported, even though children have been out of school for over a month.

Dr. Karin Goodison said AHS had hoped to see the spread of the outbreak slow during the summer months.

Goodison said health officials are now concerned about a further increase in activity when children return to classes this fall.

The area of the greatest concern for the outbreak is the West side of the South Zone in the Lethbridge area.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

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Pertussis, or whooping cough as it’s commonly known is a bacterial infection of the airways that is easily spread through direct contact with someone who is infected.

The bacteria can live up to fie days on objects like clothes, toys or paper.

The infection can cause severe coughing which can last for months. The coughing can be so severe it causes both children and adults difficulty breathing or eating.

Whooping cough in its worst forms can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain injury and even death. Children with serious complications may require long-term hospitalization, and babies are particularly vulnerable.

AHS says those who have not been vaccinated or who are under-vaccinated are at risk.

So far this year, there have been 501 cases of whooping cough reported across Alberta, 259 of those cases has been in the South Zone.

More than 100 cases of whooping cough have been reported within the last two weeks.

SYMPTOMS

Pertussis illness starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever and mild cough.

Typically, over about a week, 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 following a coughing spell is also common.

WHAT TO DO

People who suspect they, or a family member, may be sick with pertussis should stay at home and call a family physician or Health Link at 811 before seeking medical care.

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