Alberta Well being Companies (AHS) has issued a well being advisory for the City of Okotoks following a rise in circumstances of pertussis (whooping cough).
Since 2023, 17 circumstances of pertussis have been recognized within the Okotoks space, in accordance with AHS, all of which had been acquired domestically. One among these folks wanted hospitalization.
In that very same time interval, there have been 39 circumstances in the entire Calgary zone, which incorporates Okotoks.
AHS says pertussis is a bacterial an infection that causes extreme and extended coughing that lasts for weeks.
It may well influence folks of all ages, however youngsters one 12 months and youthful are at the next danger of great problems, together with pneumonia, convulsions, mind harm and dying.
The sickness begins with a runny nostril, sneezing, fever, and a gentle cough, the well being company says.
Usually, inside per week, the cough will turn into extra extreme with repetitive coughing spells. In youthful youngsters, these spells are often adopted by a “whooping” sound when inhaling. AHS additionally says vomiting following a coughing spell can be widespread.
If somebody thinks they might be sick with pertussis, they need to keep residence and name a household physician or Well being Hyperlink at 811 earlier than looking for medical care.
Folks with confirmed pertussis ought to keep residence till 5 days of remedy with the suitable antibiotics have been accomplished.
AHS says immunization is one of the best ways to guard towards and restrict the unfold of pertussis, together with common handwashing, protecting coughs, staying residence when sick, and remembering to not share drinks, meals, or cutlery.
In Alberta, the vaccine is freed from cost for all youngsters youthful than 18, people who find themselves within the third trimester of being pregnant (27 weeks), and adults who haven’t had a tetanus booster previously 10 years.
Pertussis vaccine in Alberta additionally protects towards tetanus and diphtheria, in accordance with the provincial well being company.
