Increase in Pertussis Cases in Labrador-Grenfell Zone
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is advising the public of an increase in cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone of the province.
Since July 2024, there have been 26 cases of whooping cough reported throughout the zone. Cases have been confirmed in individuals from 3 months to 78 years of age.
“This current increase in cases of whooping cough is unique to the Labrador-Grenfell Zone as we have been seeing rates either stabilize or decrease in other zones,” said Dr. Nazlee Ogunyemi, Medical Officer of Health with NL Health Services. “It is suspected that transmission is occurring within communities in the zone, which means it is important to remain vigilant and follow public health recommendations on isolation, testing, and prevention measures to lessen the chance of negative outcomes. Antibiotics are needed to treat individuals infected with whooping cough and may also be recommended for certain high-risk individuals who have had a known exposure.”
NL Health Services is monitoring and responding to this evolving situation. We are actively investigating the cases reported to public health, identifying close contacts of those who have tested positive for whooping cough and implementing precautionary measures required to control the spread.
NL Health Services has launched a campaign to encourage individuals, especially those who will be around newborns, to get vaccinated against whooping cough. The #LoveandProtection campaign aims to protect vulnerable infants and older adults from the highly contagious disease by raising awareness about the importance of immunization for caregivers and family members. The campaign is featured on NL Health Services’ social media platforms.
WHOOPING COUGH VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations that protect against whooping cough are part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s recommended routine childhood immunization schedule and school immunization schedules. A booster dose of the vaccine (Tdap) is also recommended once in adulthood, and for pregnant people during each pregnancy in the third trimester, ideally in weeks 27-32 of the pregnancy. Infants under one year of age are among the most vulnerable groups, facing serious complications from whooping cough infection. NL Health Services strongly encourages individuals to update their Tdap vaccine at least two weeks before meeting or caring for a baby. Vaccinating pregnant individuals, parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends protects the baby until they are old enough to complete their own vaccinations.
If you are unsure if you are up to date with whooping cough vaccine or need to arrange immunization, individuals in the Central, Labrador-Grenfell and Western Zones are asked to call their local public health clinic/community health office. Individuals in the Eastern-Urban Zone should call 1-877-752-8171. Individuals in Eastern-Rural Zone should contact your local public health nursing office. Contact information for local public health clinics/community health offices can be found at the following links: Eastern Central, Western, and Labrador Grenfell.
For more information on how to get vaccinated, please visit Whooping Cough (Pertussis) webpage.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of whooping cough should contact their primary care provider or 811 as soon as possible. Individuals diagnosed with whooping cough should not return to school or work and should avoid public gatherings, infants, and pregnant individuals for five days after the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
We strongly advise individuals to stay home when they are sick to prevent the spread of whooping cough and other infectious diseases, thereby protecting our community’s most at-risk members. Community residents are reminded to protect themselves and their families by practicing good health habits: cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, regularly clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer and wear a mask when you’re sick to minimize the spread of germs.
GENERAL INFORMATION
For more information about whooping cough prevention and control, talk to your health-care provider, a public health nurse or visit Hi website.
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