Whooping cough outbreak reaches the Hat

By Medicine Hat News on April 28, 2023.

Medicine Hat is now included in the South zone’s whooping cough outbreak declared by Alberta Health Services on Jan. 26.

Over the past week, a total of 126 cases have been confirmed throughout the South zone, with cases detected in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge for the first time since the outbreak was declared. (Prior to April 20, cases had only been reported in smaller communities and zone areas including the County of Lethbridge, Coaldale, Taber, Vauxhall, Grassy Lake, Bow Island, the County of Forty Mile, Seven Persons and Fort Macleod.)

In total, 146 cases are currently confirmed in the South zone, though health officials speculate that number could be higher due to cases going unreported.

The majority of confirmed cases have been in children aged one to nine, and have been linked to community spaces where children are known to gather, such as schools or churches.

While individuals of any age may be susceptible to the illness, young children, including newborns, are most at risk; as well as individuals who are not immunized.

So far, five South zone children have required hospitalization due to whooping cough.

A highly-contagious bacterial infection, whooping cough can initially present cold-like symptoms, such as a mild cough, congestion and a low-grade fever; however symptoms usually worsen over a roughly one-week period, resulting in severe coughing spasms, which often invoke vomiting and have a distinct whooping sound.

While some cases resolve over time, antibiotics are often needed, or in severe cases, hospitalization.

Individuals who suspect a case of whooping cough are advised to seek early medical attention.

AHS is also advising Albertans to ensure their immunizations are up-to-date. For more information contact Health Link by calling 811.