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Source: http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1729757
Health unit probes whooping cough cases
Posted By MARIA CANTON, SUN TIMES STAFF
Posted 10 mins ago
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is investigating a small outbreak of whooping cough in an unimmunized population in the Chesley/ Peabody area.
Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is a highly contagious and serious respiratory disease caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.
"Right now we want to remind people to think about their immunized status and make them aware that immunization in childhood does not necessarily last until adulthood," Debby Minielly, a Grey Bruce Public Health nurse, said yesterday.
Most children are routinely immunized against whooping cough at two, four, six, and 18 months and then receive a booster shot between 4 and 6 years of age.
More recently, booster shots have also been given to teens between 14 and 16.
People with a persistent cough who believe they may have been exposed to pertussis should consult their health-care provider. It is easily spread from person to person by tiny droplets that come from the nose and mouth of the infected person, just like a cold, and it can be spread to others for up to three weeks after a runny nose and cough begin.
Within the first two weeks the cough becomes harsh and the coughing spells more frequent. Infants and young children may develop a high-pitched whoop sound when they try and take a quick, deep breath between coughing spells, which can sometimes cause gagging and vomiting.
Children 12 months of age and under are most at risk of serious illness. Women in their last three months of pregnancy who get pertussis can infect their newborns.
For more information contact the local health unit.
Health unit probes whooping cough cases
Posted By MARIA CANTON, SUN TIMES STAFF
Posted 10 mins ago
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is investigating a small outbreak of whooping cough in an unimmunized population in the Chesley/ Peabody area.
Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is a highly contagious and serious respiratory disease caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.
"Right now we want to remind people to think about their immunized status and make them aware that immunization in childhood does not necessarily last until adulthood," Debby Minielly, a Grey Bruce Public Health nurse, said yesterday.
Most children are routinely immunized against whooping cough at two, four, six, and 18 months and then receive a booster shot between 4 and 6 years of age.
More recently, booster shots have also been given to teens between 14 and 16.
People with a persistent cough who believe they may have been exposed to pertussis should consult their health-care provider. It is easily spread from person to person by tiny droplets that come from the nose and mouth of the infected person, just like a cold, and it can be spread to others for up to three weeks after a runny nose and cough begin.
Within the first two weeks the cough becomes harsh and the coughing spells more frequent. Infants and young children may develop a high-pitched whoop sound when they try and take a quick, deep breath between coughing spells, which can sometimes cause gagging and vomiting.
Children 12 months of age and under are most at risk of serious illness. Women in their last three months of pregnancy who get pertussis can infect their newborns.
For more information contact the local health unit.