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By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Whooping cough outbreak declared in some southern Alberta communities

Jan 26, 2023 | 3:31 PM

COALDALE, AB – Alberta Health Service is warning the public of an increasing number of cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

AHS has declared an outbreak in the central part of the South Health Zone, impacting Lethbridge County, Coaldale, Taber, Vauxhall, Grassy Lake and Bow Island.

“These are communities with significantly low childhood immunization rates,” says AHS in a media release. “By age two, children should have received four doses of pertussis- vaccine, and in some of these areas, only one -third of two-year-old children have.

A total of 16 cases of pertussis have been identified in the region, all of which were acquired locally. Three patients required hospitalization.

According to AHS, pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe and prolonged coughing that lasts for weeks.

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While people of all ages can contract it, people under the age of one year are at the greatest risk of serious complications including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and death.

AHS says, “Pertussis illness starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever, and mild cough. Typically, over the duration of 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.”

The health agency reminds the public that immunization is the best method to protect against and limit the spread of pertussis, along with regular hand washing and not sharing drinks, food, or cutlery.

Immunization information for pertussis can be found on the AHS website.