More Whooping Cough Cases
Posted Jul 25, 2012 06:29:53 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Region of Waterloo Public Health Unit is now saying they’re dealing with 16 cases of whooping cough, and not 27 as they had reported earlier.
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang tells 570 News the local increase also reflects the increase that has been seen right across Ontario.
The are 260 cases provincially.
Whooping Cough, or Pertussis as its known by its official medical name, is a highly contagious bacterial disease and involves an uncontrollable cough.
So far in Canada this year, 2,000 people have been infected with one infant in Alberta being killed by it. Public health authorities have been attempting to step up their vaccination programs.
The US has seen its worst year for whooping cough, recording more than 18,000 cases so far.
Dr. Wang says taking preventive measures, like getting immunized, is key to fighting the infection. She says the vaccine is very safe and works well (85% effective).
Adults such as parents and family members are a primary source of pertussis transmission to vulnerable infants.
Health officials say that in many of the cases immunizations, were not up to date.
