In the wake of cases of “whooping cough” confirmed nearby, the health unit has issued an appeal to Northumberland and area families.
Cases of pertussis – also known as whooping cough – were recently confirmed in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit reported Tuesday.
As a result, public health is once again urging parents and guardians to ensure kid’s immunizations are up-to-date and on file with the local health unit. Officials are also advising residents to recognize whooping cough symptoms, described as particularly dangerous to infants.
“Immunization remains the best way to protect your child or yourself from getting sick with pertussis,” echoed Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health and CEO for the health unit, which coverages Northumberland, Haliburton, and Kawartha currently. “Please, familiarize yourself with the symptoms of pertussis and seek medical care if your child has these symptoms.
“Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics,” noted Bocking. “Lastly, and most importantly, always ensure your child’s routine vaccinations are up-to-date and have been reported to the local public health unit,” continued Bocking.
Pertussis is described as a serious bacterial infection of the respiratory system – it was one of the most common childhood diseases and a cause of child mortality in the 20th Century. However, routine childhood immunization for pertussis, along with protection from polio, tetanus and diphtheria, has decreased cases of disease significantly, added officials.
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, explained public health.
Pertussis is described as “very contagious,” spreading via droplets from the nose and mouth.
While anyone can get whooping cough, it is most dangerous for kids under the age of one year, and pregnant women, added public health.
Signs and symptoms to look for provided by public health:
Once a person is infected, it can take up to 20 days for symptoms to develop.
Pertussis usually starts like a cold, with a very runny nose. After a few days, the typical irritating coughing starts and will become more frequent and severe.
Coughing may be followed by a “whoop” sound before the next breath. The coughing can be so aggressive that children vomit or have trouble breathing.?
The cough is usually severe for two-to-three weeks and then starts to get better but can last up to one-to-two months.
Diagnosed cases of pertussis are treated with antibiotics. Parents/caregivers should check their own immunization records, as they may also be eligible for publicly-funded pertussis-containing vaccine when the next booster is due.
Fact sheets to help care for kids with whooping cough and audio to hear what the cough sounds like in children are accessible online.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
