Whooping cough outbreak in southern Alberta

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 27, 2023.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

A whooping cough outbreak has been declared in the south zone by Alberta Health Services, which states cases have been reported as far east as Bow Island and Vauxhall.

A total of 16 cases of the infection, also known as pertussis, have been identified in those areas as well as Grassy Lake, Taber, Coaldale and Lethbridge County. All cases were locally acquired, said officials in a bulletin on Thursday, with three requiring hospitalization.

Those areas all record significantly low vaccination rates – as low as one third of children aged less than two years – for the disease, which can result in severe and prolonged coughing for weeks.

All age groups are susceptible. It presents with mild cold-like symptoms but often advances to severe repetitive coughing spells that can end with vomiting.

Infants younger than one year are at highest risk of severe complications, including pneumonia, brain damage and death.

AHS recommends all Albertans should remain up to date with all vaccinations, which are free of charge for those under 18 and pregnant women.