Whooping cough outbreak declared across New Brunswick

New Brunswick has declared a provincewide whooping cough outbreak, two months after an outbreak was initially declared on the Acadian Peninsula.

"We are expanding this outbreak to the entire province due to a higher number of cases of whooping cough than usual in multiple health regions," Dr. Yves Léger, acting chief medical officer of health, said in a statement late Thursday afternoon.

A total of 141 cases have been confirmed so far, compared to the five-year average of 34 cases annually, according to the Department of Health.

While most of the cases have been in the Bathurst and Acadian Peninsula region, Zone 6, more than half the new cases in recent weeks are outside that region.

Public Health is monitoring the situation closely and urging everyone to ensure their immunizations are up to date, especially expectant parents and anyone in close contact with babies and young children, Léger said.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmitted, mainly through droplets from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person.

It begins with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough and worsens during several weeks to include serious coughing spells that often end with a "whoop," or high-pitched sound.

Although whooping can occur at any age, it is "very serious" in babies and young children, especially for those who are too young to be fully immunized, the department advises.

"All New Brunswickers, especially expectant parents and anyone in close contact with babies and young children, such as grandparents or caregivers, should ensure that their immunization against whooping cough is up to date," said Léger.

Vaccines are available through primary care providers, such as doctors and nurse practitioners, as well as Public Health offices.

Whooping cough is diagnosed based on symptoms and laboratory tests. It is treated with an antibiotic, which can reduce the spread of infection and duration of illness if given early.