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Whooping Cough identified in the region

“We recommend that parents and guardians residing in the West Nipissing area check that their children have been vaccinated against whooping cough."
2015 11 24 health_generic doctor

The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit reports that there has been a confirmed outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) identified in the West Nipissing area. 

Pertussis is spread easily through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing by an infected person and can result in a cough lasting for several weeks. 

The cough may become more frequent and severe after the first 1-2 weeks which, during this time, it is most contagious. 

The Health Unit asks that you contact your health care provider if you or your child develops signs of pertussis. 

“We recommend that parents and guardians residing in the West Nipissing area check that their children have been vaccinated against pertussis. If they have not been vaccinated, or their vaccination is incomplete, please come to our community pertussis vaccination clinic on Thursday in Sturgeon Falls,”  said Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health/Executive Officer in a release.  

The Health Unit stated that the best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. Children who have not received immunization against pertussis, or whose immunization is incomplete, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Adults and older children who are around infants and young children should also be vaccinated. 

The Health Unit will be holding an immunization clinic for the community from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 23rd, in the Hall of Fame room at the Sturgeon Falls Sports Complex. 

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing and may end in gagging, vomiting, or trouble breathing. Sometimes, after a coughing attack, the child may give a loud “whoop” when breathing in, which is why the infection has been called “whooping cough”. 

For questions regarding the pertussis vaccine, please call the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 extension 2252, or 1-800-563-2808.