Our health unit is warning of a confirmed case of whooping cough in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit reminds parents to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date and on file, as whooping cough spreads easily in those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
Clinically known as pertussis, officials say it’s a serious bacterial infection of the respiratory system which was a common cause of child deaths before the vaccine was developed.
“Immunization remains the best way to protect your child or yourself from getting sick with pertussis,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking. “Please familiarize yourself with the symptoms of pertussis and seek medical care if your child has these symptoms. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics. Lastly, and most importantly, always ensure your child’s routine vaccinations are up to date and have been reported to the local public health unit.”
The health unit adds it can take up to 20 days after infection to develop symptoms, starting with a runny nose, and progressing to frequent and severe coughing followed by a “whoop” sound which can induce vomiting and make it hard to breathe.