London, ON – Middlesex-London Health Unit staff members have noted an increase in the number of pertussis cases over the past three months. While the agency expects to see six to eight cases of the highly contagious respiratory disease each year, the Health Unit has been following up with 15 confirmed cases since June.

Also known as Whooping Cough, pertussis can start with cold-like symptoms, which can worsen and become prolonged coughing spells that last for weeks and even months. Sometimes these coughing spells can end in a high-pitched “whooping” sound. Pertussis is of particular concern for babies, who can become very ill and develop complications. Although rare, pertussis can be fatal in young infants.

“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.”

The vaccine that prevents pertussis is available through healthcare providers free of charge and is the best way to prevent illness and the spread of pertussis infections. Under Ontario’s Immunization Schedule, children receive four doses of the vaccine between the ages of two and 18 months, then a fifth dose when they are between four and six years old. The booster dose at age 14-16 is especially important to maintain immunity. All adults should also receive one dose of vaccine to protect themselves and vulnerable friends and family. The pertussis vaccine is safe for pregnant women and is recommended for those who have not been vaccinated to protect their baby at birth.

Those who experience an unusually long coughing spell, or a cough that ends in a whoop or vomiting, are advised to contact their healthcare provider. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics if administered early enough in the course of illness.

For more information about pertussis and other infectious diseases, please visit: www.healthunit.com/infectious-diseases-a-z.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Milne, Communications, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2448, or 519-617-0564 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Mary Lou Albanese, Manager, Infectious Disease Control, Middlesex-London Health Unit