Public Health has declared a whooping cough outbreak in northern New Brunswick.
Eleven cases have been reported on the Acadian Peninsula in the past two weeks.
Dr. Rita Gad, regional medical officer of health, says Public Health is monitoring the situation closely and working with health-care professionals, community partners and the public to decrease the risk.
Whooping cough starts like a cold – sneezing, runny nose, low fever, and minor cough – then progresses to severe coughing fits with a distinct “whoop” sound and spreads through infected droplets from the nose, mouth, and throat.
“It is very serious in babies and young children, especially for those who are too young to receive the vaccine. The best way to protect individuals against whooping cough infection and transmission to others is to ensure you are up to date with your vaccines, says Dr. Gad.
“A primary care provider, like a doctor or nurse practitioner, as well as public health offices, can give whooping cough vaccines to children and adults.”
Public Health recommends expecting parents and anyone in close contact with babies and young children should ensure their immunization is up to date.
People with whooping cough symptoms should stay home if ill, contact health-care providers via 811 or online for assessment, and avoid babies and children with coughs.
