People 25 and older who have not had a pertussis vaccine in the last 10 years are being encouraged to get a booster amid a whooping cough outbreak in the province.
As of Thursday, 50 cases had been reported in Newfoundland and Labrador, 42 of which were in the Avalon Peninsula area. Health officials are not aware of anyone having died from it.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says spread of the illness has grown “fairly convincingly” over the last few months and they expect to see case numbers continue to grow, at least in the short term.
The bacteria is highly contagious and young children, especially infants, are at highest risk.
Those who contract the illness can be treated.
Dr. Fitzgerald says pertussis is best treated with antibiotics in the first few weeks of illness. She says pertussis can last a long time, and while antibiotics can still be administered later, it may not change the course of the illness.
Children are typically vaccinated against pertussis from a young age, with a booster administered in grade 9. Another is provided to pregnant women. Fitzgerald says adults may not be aware that they should also get a booster if they haven’t had a recent update.
“If you haven’t had an update in the last 10 years,” says Fitzgerald, “and you’re 25 or older, you probably need a booster dose.”
She says there are no concerns over the availability of vaccines and a booster can be booked through your family doctor or through your local public health office.