Alberta Whooping Cough Outbreak Has SHA Advising Immunization

An outbreak of whooping cough (Pertussis) in southern Alberta has the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) advising residents in the southwest part of the province to check that their children's immunizations are up to date.

At the time of publication there were 24 confirmed cases of Whooping Cough in the Alberta outbreak.

The SHA said in a release immunization is key to the control and lessening of symptoms especially in young children.

Young children who are not immunized for Whooping Cough get sicker and have more serious outcomes than vaccinated children, the SHA said in a release.

“…immunization is key to preventing serious illness and outcomes,” the SHA stated.

Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe and prolonged coughing that lasts for weeks. It can impact people of all ages, however, infants one year and younger are at greatest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and death, the Alberta Health Service said.

  • Do you want to talk to a health-care provider? Call 8-1-1, or visit your nearest Public Health office.

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