Island Health is urging residents to ensure they are up to date with vaccinations as whooping cough (pertussis) cases surge across the region.
The health authority warns that whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, is making a resurgence, mirroring an increase seen nationwide this year.
Whooping cough, caused by the pertussis bacteria, often begins with symptoms resembling the common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and a mild cough.
However, instead of subsiding, the cough can persist for weeks, earning the nickname “the 100-day cough.”
While a distinctive “whoop” sound after coughing is common in children, adults may not experience it. Some people may vomit or feel extreme fatigue following a coughing episode, but otherwise appear well.
While the illness is generally mild in adults, it poses serious risks to small children and infants, particularly those under one year of age.
In rare cases, pertussis can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures, or even death.
As of August of this year, 17 cases of whooping cough have been reported within the Island Health region, with the majority of those affected being unvaccinated.
Island Health emphasized the importance of vaccination, recommending it for infants, with booster doses administered before kindergarten (ages four to six) and again in grade 9 (ages 14 to 16). Additionally, all adults should receive at least one dose of the Tdap vaccine, which protects against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.
Pregnant individuals are also encouraged to receive a dose of the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks, to provide critical protection to their newborn before they can receive their first vaccinations at two months of age.
Vaccinations are readily available at local health units, some doctors’ and nurse practitioners’ offices, and select pharmacies for individuals aged five and up.
Island Health continues to stress that vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect against the resurgence of whooping cough and other preventable diseases.
