Whooping Cough Infection (Pertussis): Preventable and on the Rise in Ontario

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

In recent months hundreds of cases of whooping cough infection (pertussis) have been reported in southwestern Ontario (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care). People of any age can be infected with this highly contagious disease. However, young infants are at highest risk. Complications can be severe and include pneumonia, seizures, and death. An infected person can be sick for 6 to 10 weeks.

Why is it spreading so much?

Adults and youth who are not up to date with their pertussis immunizations are often responsible for spreading the infection to others. Young infants who have not received all or any of their pertussis immunizations are at high risk for infection.
Adults who have not received their teenage booster, especially those who are in regular contact with children (such as day care workers, parents/guardians, and babysitters), are also encouraged to get immunized. The vaccine provides protection not only to the adult, but will also help to prevent the spread the infection to children and infants.
The publicly funded immunization program was expanded in 2011 to provide another dose of tetanus, diphtheria and Pertussis vaccine to adults between the ages of 19 and 64.

Prevent it by getting vaccinated. Learn more about pertussis and where to get vaccinated.