By Geoff Smith - Lethbridge News Now

Pertussis outbreak declared over by AHS

Dec 14, 2017 | 7:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The pertussis outbreak in southern Alberta has been declared over by Alberta Health Services.

In a news release Wednesday, Dec. 13, AHS said the activity of the disease, also known as whooping cough, had decreased in the South Zone to the point where it no longer represents an outbreak. It was first considered active June 5.

Through Dec. 7 AHS has confirmed 441 cases of pertussis in the South Zone, and 388 are linked to the outbreak. The illness is caused by a bacterial infection, and can lead to weeks of severe coughing. Infants are most at risk for complications, which can include death.

The outbreak was believed to have started in the Fort Macleod area and spread to Coaldale and then into Lethbridge.

AHS said it would continue standard surveillance and follow-up. Immunization is offered for free, and is recommended at set intervals for children. It is also offered to pregnant women in the third trimester.

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Pertussis continues to occur frequently in unimmunized populations around Alberta, including in the South Zone.