The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting an increase in cases of Pertussis, better known as Whooping Cough.
Normally, the Health Unit expects to see six to eight cases per year of the highly contagious disease, but since June, there have been 15 reported cases.
Pertussis is part of the Childhood Immunization Schedule, and has a one shot protection for adults.
“Pertussis has caused a great deal of illness in many communities across Canada this year. In Middlesex-London we know that we can work together to stop this vaccine preventable illness before it has chance to spread in our community,” says Mary Lou Albanese, manager of infectious disease control with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Seeing increased pertussis cases should be a reminder for each of us to make sure our vaccinations are up to date, not only to protect ourselves, but to protect family and friends. This is especially true for those who come in contact with infants and young children who are most at risk.”
Whooping cough symptoms begin looking like a common cold, but can worsen with prolonged coughing spells that end with a high-pitched "whooping" sound.
The respiratory disease can be dangerous and cause complications for young children and babies.
In rare cases, it can be fatal.
