NL Health Services Provides Reminder Regarding Testing for Pertussis in Eastern Zones

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is providing an update on the outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in the eastern zones of the province.

NL Health Services’ Medical Officer of Health and Communicable Disease Control team are continuing to work with other health-care professionals to monitor and respond to this evolving situation, investigate the cases reported to public health, identify close contacts of those who have tested positive for whooping cough and implement precautionary measures required to control the spread.

TESTING GUIDELINES

 A testing clinic has been set up at 50 Mundy Pond Road, St. John’s, NL and is by appointment only. A referral from a primary care provider (i.e. family doctor, nurse practitioner) is not required. Appointments can be made by calling 709-752-7852 or texting 1-877-709-0512.

Individuals are eligible for testing only if they meet BOTH of the following criteria:

• Experiencing symptoms of whooping cough, such as mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes and a cough or a cough that got worse over time, leading to severe, repeated, and forceful coughing spells.
• Identified by public health as having contact with someone who currently has whooping cough or in receipt of a letter from public health notifying of exposure of a confirmed case.

Members of the public who meet both of these criteria are advised to book an appointment by phone or text only. Please note appointments cannot be made on-site.

If you are not aware that you have been in contact with someone who has whooping cough, but are experiencing symptoms and feel you need assessment, please contact your primary care provider or 811.

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