Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is investigating two diagnosed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the city and continuing an investigation of an outbreak of the disease in North Wellington.
While whooping cough is a contagious disease it is vaccine-preventable and part of Ontario’s publicly funded immunization program.
“Immunization is your best protection against diseases such as pertussis, mumps, and measles because it boosts your body’s own defence system. Since routine immunizations were introduced many of these diseases have almost disappeared – but not completely. These diseases do come back,” explained Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer.
“Infants under one year of age and pregnant women in their third trimester are most vulnerable to the effects of pertussis. I urge everyone to review their immunizations and keep them up-to-date.”
Whooping cough is spread by breathing in droplets that are sprayed into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks.
Generally, it takes seven to ten days after contact with an infected person for symptoms to appear – although symptoms may appear anywhere from five days to three weeks. Initially it starts with cold-like symptoms and progresses to severe spells of coughing which may be followed by a “whoop” sound before the next breath.
People with whooping cough can spread germs from the time they have the first cold-like symptoms until three weeks later. That period can be reduced to five days with antibiotic treatment. If anyone has symptoms they should see their doctor.
For more information about pertussis and immunizations go to www.wdghu.org.
