Pertussis outbreak reaches 114 cases across South and Central AHS zones. (Photo 93098727 © Designer491 | Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Hall

Pertussis outbreak reaches 114 cases across South and Central AHS zones

Apr 8, 2023 | 11:27 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta Health Services continues to deal with a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak.

The outbreak was declared Jan. 26 in the South Zone.

There have now been 114 identified cases, including four in Central Zone, more specifically in Red Deer and Willingdon. Willingdon is located northeast of Edmonton.

AHS confirms there are no confirmed active cases in Central Zone, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other unconfirmed cases in the affected areas.

The majority of cases are in kids under 18, with 72 per cent being between one and nine. The outbreak has caused the hospitalization of five children.

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The remainder have been in County of Lethbridge, Coaldale, Taber, Vauxhall, Grassy Lake, Bow Island, County of Forty Mile, Seven Persons, and Fort Macleod, according to AHS.

“Many of these communities have significantly low childhood immunization rates and there is evidence of transmission within households, community events and gatherings and at some schools. AHS is issuing a reminder to all people of the importance of immunization, particularly in small children, to prevent further illness,” says the health authority.

“Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe and prolonged coughing that lasts for weeks. It can impact people of all ages but infants one year and younger are at greatest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and death.”

Pertussis illness starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever, and mild cough. Typically, over the duration of a week, the cough will become more severe with repetitive coughing spells. In younger children, these coughing spells are usually followed by a ‘whooping’ sound when inhaling. Vomiting following a coughing spell is also common.

AHS says immunization is the best method to protect against and limit the spread of pertussis, along with regular handwashing and not sharing drinks, food or cutlery.

Pertussis immunization is free for all children under 18, people in the third trimester of pregnancy, and adults who haven’t had a tetanus booster in the past 10 years.

“All Alberta residents are reminded to stay up to date on their immunizations. Individuals uncertain of their child’s or their own immunization history can contact their local community health centre or public health office. See Alberta’s Routine Childhood Immunization schedule for more information,” AHS adds.

“If an individual thinks they may be sick with pertussis, they should stay home and call a family physician or Health Link at 811, before seeking medical care. People with confirmed pertussis should stay home until five days of treatment with appropriate antibiotics have been completed.”

Additional information on pertussis and immunizations can be found online at the following links:

• Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (alberta.ca)
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | AHS Immunization (immunizealberta.ca) Immunization and routine immunization schedule | Alberta.ca

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