Whooping cough outbreak over

By Gillian Slade on December 14, 2017.

Medicine Hat News

A pertussis outbreak that began in June in the south zone is over, says Alberta Health Services.

From the onset untilDec 7, there were 441 cases confirmed.

Pertussis continues to occur with frequency in unimmunized populations in the south zone and other parts of Alberta, AHS said in a press release.

Pertussis immunization is offered free of charge in Alberta. A series of doses is recommended starting at two months of age; again at four, six and 18 months; at four to six years; and again in Grade 9.

Following this schedule ensures protection is complete and up-to-date. Albertans who have not received a dose of pertussis vaccine since turning 18 years of age are also eligible to receive a single additional dose in adulthood.

7
-6