Public health is still seeing cases of whooping cough related to an outbreak in the eastern zone, and other cases from across the province are also popping up.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says they are seeing a higher number of cases than expected.
She says normally they wouldn’t see many cases of whooping cough at all—in the 3 to 5 range. But, the spike is following similar trends across the world.
Dr. Fitzgerald says the vaccine does wane over time, indicated by some cases seen in junior high students.
She indicates after effects of the COVID pandemic could also play a factor.
She says there was a reduction in vaccines across the world following the pandemic, so it is expected that diseases like whooping cough will circulate for a while after.
Fitzgerald encourages everyone to stay up-to-date on their whooping cough vaccines. Adults are encouraged to get a booster, as are pregnant people in the third trimester.