Whooping cough outbreak declared in parts of Southern Manitoba
A whooping cough outbreak has been declared in Manitoba’s Southern Health- Santé Sud region.
On Monday, Manitoba Health announced that since January it has received 154 reports of confirmed or probable cases of whooping cough – 152 of these cases were in the Southern Health region.
These cases include 30 infants aged one or younger; 80 kids aged one to nine; 24 kids aged 10 to 19; and 20 cases in adults. The province noted that the outbreak includes 78 females and 76 males, and has resulted in 55 visits to emergency departments, as well as two admissions to pediatric intensive care. No one has died.
Whooping cough is a contagious illness that can be prevented by a vaccine.
It is caused by a bacteria that is often spread through respiratory droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. The illness is most contagious at the beginning stages.
Initially, whooping cough has similar symptoms to the common cold. It starts with a mild fever, runny nose and cough, but can end up coughing fits that can last for one to 10 weeks. These symptoms usually appear seven to 10 days after exposure.
Whooping cough affects people of all ages, but infants and pregnant people in their third trimester are at highest risk. Some of the most severe complications include pneumonia, seizures, brain swelling and death.
Manitobans are reminded that the vaccine is safe and effective. It’s also the best way to prevent infection and severe symptoms, and limit the spread.
Children should be vaccinated against whooping cough at two, four, six and 18 months; between the ages of four and six; and in Grades 8 or 9. The vaccine is also recommended for those who are pregnant.
Manitoba Health has sent follow-up letter to parents and caregivers with children born in 2019, 2020 and 2021 who may be missing routine immunizations.
Anyone who has questions or concerns about immunizations is encouraged to speak to their health-care provider, public health office or by calling Health Links at 204-788-8200.
Manitobans with whooping cough symptoms should see their health-care provider.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau's 2024: Did the PM become less popular this year?
Justin Trudeau’s numbers have been relatively steady this calendar year, but they've also been at their worst, according to tracking data from CTV News pollster Nik Nanos.
Manhunt underway after woman, 23, allegedly kidnapped, found alive in river
A woman in her 20s who was possibly abducted by her ex is in hospital after the car she was in plunged into the Richelieu River.
Calling all bloodhounds: These P.E.I. blood donors have four legs and a tail
Dogs are donating blood and saving the lives of canines at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
Summer McIntosh makes guest appearance in 'The Nutcracker'
Summer McIntosh made a splash during her guest appearance in The National Ballet of Canada’s production of 'The Nutcracker.'
Death toll in attack on Christmas market in Germany rises to 5 and more than 200 injured
Germans on Saturday mourned both the victims and their shaken sense of security after a Saudi doctor intentionally drove into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers, killing at least five people, including a small child, and wounding at least 200 others.
Wild boar hybrid identified near Fort Macleod, Alta.
Acting on information, an investigation by the Municipal District of Willow Creek's Agricultural Services Board (ASB) found a small population of wild boar hybrids being farmed near Fort Macleod.
Toronto firefighters rescue man who fell into sinkhole in Yorkville
A man who fell into a sinkhole in Yorkville on a snowy Friday night in Toronto has been rescued after being stuck in the ground for roughly half an hour.
Winning $20-million Lotto Max ticket sold in Hamilton
Someone who purchased a Lotto Max ticket in Hamilton for Friday night’s draw is now $20-million richer.
Overheated immigration system needed 'discipline' infusion: minister
An 'overheated' immigration system that admitted record numbers of newcomers to the country has harmed Canada's decades-old consensus on the benefits of immigration, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said, as he reflected on the changes in his department in a year-end interview.