N.L.'s most vulnerable at risk from spike in whooping cough, says Fitzgerald

Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer of health says she's concerned about the surge of whooping cough cases in the province because of the risk to the youngest people in the province.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald said people should ensure they're protected by getting an updated pertussis vaccine. The vaccine is given as part of the routine immunization series with a booster dose in Grade 9, but immunity can wane.

"Every adult really should have an update of their pertussis vaccine at least 10 years after that Grade 9 vaccine. So at least once in your adulthood," Fitzgerald told CBC News on Friday.

She said anyone who knows they'll be around babies or young children — including family members and care providers — should make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Babies under a year old — especially those less than two months old — are at the highest risk of health complications due to whooping cough.

Newfoundland and Labrador has reported 50 cases of the disease, also called pertussis, so far in 2024. The province usually sees only three or four cases a year, say health officials. Many of the cases have been reported in schoolchildren, but some have been found in babies and seniors as well.

"[It's] difficult to know if perhaps it's spreading a little more easily because of, you know, reduced vaccination rates because of the pandemic and other things that are happening in other areas of the world," said Fitzgerald.

N.L. Health Services has opened an appointment-only testing clinic at 50 Mundy Pond Rd. in St. John's. Testing will be available for people with whooping cough symptoms and people who have been in contact with confirmed cases.

Fitzgerald said residents should check with their local public health office to determine whether they need a booster. Protection against pertussis is also included in tetanus shots, she added, so anyone who has had one in the past decade shouldn't need a booster.

Fitzgerald said more cases are to be expected as contacts of positive cases get tested.

Work is being done to notify potential contacts at places like schools and sporting events, she added.

"Letting people know so that they are aware, so that they're able to stay home and not spread things, that's really important," she said.

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