Whooping Cough Testing Available in Eastern Urban Zone

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises the public that in response to the ongoing outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in the province, whooping cough testing is available in the Eastern Urban Zone.

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 texting 1-877-709-0512. Alternatively, individuals who do not have the ability to text can call 709-777-1706.

TESTING GUIDELINES

Individuals are eligible for testing only if they are symptomatic:

• 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.

AND meet one of the following criteria:

• 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.
• Infant(s) under one year of age in their lives.
• Over the age of 65.

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

If you do not meet the above criteria but are experiencing symptoms and feel you need assessment, please contact your primary care provider or 811.

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. We continue to investigate 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 of pertussis.

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