‘Increasing' cases of whooping cough in Pemberton area, health officials say
This 2016 illustration based on electron microscope imagery and provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention depicts Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes whooping cough. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Meredith Newlove, CDC via AP)
Health officials are warning of an 'increasing number' of cases of pertussis – commonly known as whooping cough – in the Pemberton, B.C., area.
Vancouver Coastal Health said families, particularly those with young children, should watch for symptoms and seek treatment if they suspect a pertussis infection.
Officials also urged parents to keep their children's vaccinations up to date.
'People of any age can get pertussis, but young children who have not been immunized get sicker than older children and adults,' said VCH, in an information bulletin.
'This disease can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death, most often in infants under one year of age.'
Generally, children first receive pertussis-containing vaccinations at around two months old, followed by additional vaccines that end in Grade 9. A single booster is recommended for adults as well.
Vaccinations during pregnancy are also recommended as 'the transfer of antibodies to the baby is highly protective against pertussis infection in the first three months of life,' according to VCH's bulletin.
Officials said whooping cough spreads 'easily' through coughing, sneezing and close contact – and if untreated, those who are infected can spread the disease for up to three weeks after the onset of coughing.
More information on pertussis and the vaccines is available on the HealthLinkBC website.
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