News Release                                                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                 September 3, 2009

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in the Community

The Health Unit is currently investigating a group of pertussis cases  in an unimmunized population in the Chesley/Peabody area.

Pertussis is a serious respiratory disease caused by a bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. It can affect persons of all ages and is very contagious, especially in the first two weeks. The illness begins with a runny nose and cough. Within 1-2 weeks, the cough becomes harsher and the coughing spells are more frequent. Infants and young children may have a high-pitched whoop when they try to take a quick, deep breath after the coughing spell. Coughing may sometimes cause gagging and vomiting. The cough can last for several weeks.

Pertussis is easily spread from person to person by tiny droplets that come from the nose and mouth of the infected person, just like a cold. It can be spread to others for up to three weeks after the runny nose and coughing begin unless antibiotic treatment is started.   

Children 12 months of age and under and especially newborns are at the most risk of serious illness. Women in their last 3 months of pregnancy who get pertussis can infect their newborns.

Most children are routinely immunized against whooping cough at two, four, six, and 18 months and receive a booster at 4-6 years, and more recently at 14-16 years. Young children who have not yet started their immunizations or are not up to date with immunizations are more at risk of getting pertussis.Persons with persistent cough who believe they may have been exposed to pertussis should consult their healthcare provider.

Adults who were only immunized in childhood  are no longer protected and may pass pertussis on to their children. Even having the illness will not provide long lasting protection. ADACEL® is a newer vaccine combining tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis immunization. It is available to adults.

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Debby Minielly

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 ext 1257