Pertussis Health Alert from the Moose Factory Health Centre

Press Release

October 14, 2016

A case of pertussis (whooping cough) has been confirmed in our community effective today.

Pertussis is most serious in babies under 12 months of age often requiring admission to hospital as these children are more vulnerable to serious complications.

Transmission

Pertussis can be caught through coughs and sneezes from an infected person. Parents and family members are the main source of infection for babies. Hand washing and cough etiquette should be maintained always.

Signs & Symptoms

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that affects the air passages and breathing.

Pertussis often acts like a common cold for a week or two. Then the cough gets worse, and the older child may start to have the characteristic “whoop”s. During this phase (which can last two weeks or more), the child often is short of breath and can look bluish around the mouth. She also may tear, drool, and vomit.

Infants with pertussis become exhausted and develop complications such as susceptibility to other infections, pneumonia, and seizures. Pertussis can be fatal in some infants, but the usual course is for recovery to begin after two to four more weeks. The cough may not disappear for months, and may return with subsequent respiratory infections.

Childhood Immunization

Babies are at risk from birth as no pertussis protection is passed from mother to newborn infant.

Complete immunization of children remains the most effective measure to control pertussis. Pertussis vaccination is offered at 2, 4, 6 months, at 4-6 years and in year 10 of secondary school (or 14 years of age). A child who has received less than three doses of a pertussis containing vaccine should be considered at risk of pertussis. Adults who have never received a pertussis vaccine since they were a child are eligible to receive an updated vaccine. This is encouraged as a persistent cough for an adult can be passed on to a child and be far worse for the child.

All parents are urged to check their child’s immunizations and catch up any missed doses if necessary with the nurses at the Health Centre. If you require any further information, please call the Moose Factory Health Centre at 658-4220. We’ll be glad to answer any questions or concerns. Immunization Catch up Clinics will be available next week along with Influenza vaccination. Meegwetch.

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