Whooping cough outbreak in Saskatoon Health Region

The Saskatoon Health Region is urging parents to vaccinate their children after an outbreak of whooping cough in the region this year.
 
The disease, known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can lead to breathing difficulties and hospitalization. The bacteria can be spread easily when people are in close contact at home, in childcare centres or classrooms.
 
“Pertussis is a very serious disease in infants under 12 months of age,” said Deputy Medical Health Officer Dr. Johnmark Opondo. “Around 25 per cent of our population are either behind or have not been immunized at all.”
 
Opondo said parents can easily lose track of how many shots their child has received. There’s a two-month, fourth-month and six-month vaccination, followed by a preschool and Grade 8 booster.
 
The last time the Saskatoon Health Region declared a whooping cough outbreak was back in 2010. Opondo said they see pertussis spread in cyclical waves every two to five years.
 
There have been 61 confirmed cases in the region so far this year, compared to less than ten last year.
 
For more information, contact Public Health Services, Disease Control at 306-655-4612.