The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) and Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) are reporting an increased number of cases of Pertussis (also known as whooping cough), in the Yukon. Pertussis is a contagious bacterial respiratory infection that spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or has prolonged close face-to-face contact.
Early recognition and testing are important to reduce transmission and protect people at higher risk of severe illness, particularly infants and pregnant people in their third trimester.
Symptoms and what to watch for
Pertussis often begins with cold-like symptoms, which can make early illness difficult to recognize in the early stages. Symptoms may include:
- worsening cough over time, often lasting several weeks;
- severe coughing fits that may cause gagging or vomiting;
- coughing episodes followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound; or
- pauses in breathing, especially in infants.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with pertussis are advised to stay home and avoid contact with others, especially infants, young children and pregnant individuals, and seek health care as needed.
Accessing care and testing
Yukoners should seek health care if they:
- have a persistent new cough;
- have symptoms consistent with pertussis; or
- have been informed by YCDC that they have been in contact with a confirmed case.
Individuals with symptoms should contact their primary health care provider, local health centre or walk in clinic for assessment and guidance. As there are multiple respiratory viruses circulating at this time, health care providers will use a clinical assessment and testing (if appropriate) to determine the cause of illness. If symptoms are severe or urgent care is required, people should go to the Whitehorse General Hospital or a rural health centre.
YCDC is conducting contact tracing for contacts of known cases who are at highest risk, including:
- pregnant individuals in their third trimester; and
- infants under one year of age.
All other contacts are advised to:
- monitor for symptoms of pertussis;
- ensure their immunizations are up to date; and
- seek health care and possible testing if symptoms develop.
Protective measures and immunization
Vaccination remains an important tool to reduce the risk of severe illness from pertussis. People should ensure their routine immunizations are up to date, including an adult pertussis booster at or after age 19.
Pregnant people are eligible and recommended to receive a pertussis vaccine during each pregnancy.
Yukoners are encouraged to review their immunization records and speak with a health care provider if they are unsure of their vaccination status, especially if they are planning to participate in or attend large events, such as the Arctic Winter Games.
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
[email protected]