Whooping Cough Spreads in Southern Alberta: AHS

Alberta Health Services says whooping cough is spreading in the southern region of the province after the disease was first reported in the southern region in January.

On Thursday, AHS released a statement with new numbers reflecting the growth in cough, also known as whooping cough.

There are now 114 identified cases affecting Lethbridge, Coaldale, Taber, Vauxhall, Grassy Lake, Bow Island, Forty Miles Seven Persons and Fort Macleod, according to AHS.

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There are also a small number of cases in Red Deer and Willingdon in the central area.

The bacterial infection largely affects young children – 72% of cases are children between the ages of one and nine. Five children were hospitalized.

AHS said many of these communities have significantly low childhood immunization rates and there is evidence of household transmission.

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The cough typically begins with a runny nose, sneezing, fever and a mild cough, AHS said. It can cause a severe, prolonged cough that lasts for weeks, with infants under the age of one being at greater risk of serious complications.

If anyone thinks they or their child may have whooping cough, AHS recommends staying home and calling a family doctor or Health Link at 811. Anyone with a confirmed case should stay home until five days of treatment and antibiotics are completed, AHS said.

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