An outbreak of whooping cough in parts of Manitoba has led to public heath officials warning of an increased risk in Northwestern Ontario.
The Northwestern Health Unit issued a media release on Wednesday, cautioning that the risk of whooping cough — also known as pertussis — may be elevated in the region due to the number of cases in its neighbouring province and increased summer travel.
The health unit said Manitoba Health has declared an outbreak in its southern health region, with 154 cases mostly in children under the age of nine reported so far this year.
The disease spreads through droplets in the air when a person who has it coughs and sneezes. The most common symptom is severe coughing, with infants under a year old at greatest risk of serious complications, which can include pneumonia, brain damage, seizures, and death.
“The pertussis vaccine helps your body to fight the disease and prevents spreading it to others. Now is the time to protect yourself and each other,” said health unit infectious diseases program specialist Sandra Krikke.
The health unit is encouraging anyone eligible to receive the vaccine while also urging people to stay home while sick and avoid contact with babies if they're not up to date with their vaccinations.
