Cases of whooping cough are turning up in the Island Heath region, prompting a reminder to stay up to date on vaccinations.
As of August in the health region, 17 people have contracted the illness, the majority of them not vaccinated, the health authority said.
Whooping cough is an infection of the airways caused by pertussis bacteria. Symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and possibly a mild cough in the beginning, resembling a cold.
Instead of resolving in a couple of weeks, the cough can last for weeks — it’s sometimes referred to as “the 100-day cough,” Island Health said, noting that the typical “whoop” sound after a coughing fit doesn’t happen in everyone — especially adults.
Some people may vomit after coughing episodes or feel exhausted after coughing, but seem quite well otherwise.
Island Health said serious complications are rare in adults, but small children and especially infants under a year old are at increased risk. In rare cases, pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures and even death.
Rates of whooping cough have increased across sa国际传媒 this year.
Vaccination is recommended for infants, with a booster dose before kindergarten (ages four to six) and again in Grade 9. It’s recommended that all adults have at least one dose of Tdap vaccine, which protects against whooping cough as well as diphtheria and tetanus.
People who are pregnant should be vaccinated each time they are pregnant, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks, said Island Health.
The health authority said vaccines are available at local health units and some doctor and nurse practitioner offices. Adults and children ages five and up can also get immunized at some pharmacies.
