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Media Release
March 8, 2023
Southwestern Public Health warns community of rising cases of pertussis in the region
Parents advised to be alert to symptoms of the illness which is particularly dangerous in children under one.
Southwestern Public Health is urging parents and guardians to keep themselves and their children up to date with the pertussis vaccine after a recent dramatic rise in cases in the region.
“Our region has seen 82 confirmed cases of pertussis between January 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. This represents about 40% of the provincial total from that time period. Combine this with the number of children who are unvaccinated or under vaccinated and I am concerned in particular for the youngest members of our community,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, was one of the most common childhood diseases and a major cause of child mortality in the 20th century. Following the development of a vaccine and its routine administration to children along with protection from polio, tetanus and diphtheria, cases and deaths decreased significantly.
Pertussis can be introduced to communities through travel to countries with lower rates of vaccination, and it can circulate among those who are unvaccinated, under vaccinated, or those whose vaccine effectiveness has decreased over time. It is very contagious and spreads via droplets from the noses and mouths of those who are infected.
Symptoms of pertussis start with a runny nose or nasal congestion, sneezing, mild cough and mild fever. The cough, which can last anywhere from 2 – 8 weeks, gets progressively worse and may lead to vomiting or trouble breathing and coughing up mucous. It can often be recognized by the loud “whooping” sound that occurs when the child is inhaling after a coughing spell. Untreated pertussis in infants can lead to hospitalization, brain damage, and death.
“I have two asks of our local parents. The first is that you make yourself familiar with the symptoms of pertussis and seek medical care if your child has these symptoms. It can be treated with antibiotics and after five days on the treatment the person can no longer spread the disease to others. Second, please contact your family health care provider or Southwestern Public Health to get your child’s routine vaccinations up to date. The vaccine is free, and we have openings in our clinics throughout the month of March,” adds Tran.
Residents requiring a public health vaccination clinic appointment can book online at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking and choose the location nearest to them.
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Resources
- Link to audio of a child with whooping cough.
- To learn more about pertussis, go to www.swpublichealth.ca/whoopingcough
- To book a vaccination appointment with Southwestern Public Health, www.swpublichealth.ca/booking
- To submit your child’s up-to-date vaccination record, www.swpublichealth.ca/vaccineswork
About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
Contact for Interviews:
Megan Cornwell
Manager, Communications
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca | 519-320-0819
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