Okotoks at centre of rising whooping cough cases in Calgary area: AHS

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Individuals within the Calgary space are being warned of an uptick in instances of whooping cough, an sickness significantly harmful for the very younger.

Alberta Well being Companies stated there have been 39 reported instances of whopping cough, or pertussis, within the AHS Calgary zone since November 2023 — 17 of which have been regionally acquired infections in Okotoks.

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“Pertussis is a bacterial an infection that causes extreme and extended coughing that lasts for weeks,” AHS stated in a press release issued late Tuesday afternoon. “It will probably impression folks of all ages, nonetheless, infants one yr and youthful are at biggest danger of significant issues, together with pneumonia, convulsions, mind harm and loss of life.”

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Individuals are being requested by AHS to take steps to guard themselves and different from the illness, whose first indicators embrace cold- and flu-like signs.

“Sometimes, over per week, the cough will grow to be extra extreme with repetitive coughing spells,” Alberta Well being Companies stated.

Coughing in youthful kids is usually adopted by a whooping sound when inhaling. Vomiting after a coughing spell can also be frequent.

“Immunization is one of the best technique to guard towards and restrict the unfold of pertussis, together with common hand washing, overlaying coughs, staying residence when sick, and remembering to not share drinks, meals, or cutlery,” the provincial well being authority stated.

The vaccine for pertussis additionally protects towards diphtheria and tetanus.

The shot is obtainable free to Albertans below age 18, these within the third trimester of being pregnant and individuals who haven’t obtained a tetanus vaccine within the final 10 years.

Extra immunization data is accessible by AHS Well being Hyperlink at 811 or by a doctor.

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