Yukon Communicable Disease Control and the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) have confirmed a case of pertussis (whooping cough) in a passenger on Air North Flight 4N543 from Whitehorse to Vancouver on November 6, 2024.
Passengers are advised to monitor for symptoms of pertussis, which may start to show 7 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria and can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe coughing fits lasting weeks.
Those seated in rows 17 to 22 may be at greater risk of exposure and should closely monitor for symptoms. Higher-risk individuals in these rows, including those in the third trimester of pregnancy, infants under one year of age and those who live with these groups, should contact their health care provider or Yukon Communicable Disease Control at 867-667-8323 for guidance on antibiotics.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a respiratory disease that can pose serious risks to vulnerable groups, including pregnant individuals in their third trimester and infants under one year of age.
Monitoring symptoms and early treatment can prevent further spread and complications.
Symptoms of pertussis
Symptoms of pertussis may start to show seven to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. In some instances, people can start experiencing symptoms as early as f days or as late as 21 days. At first, it may seem like a common cold with:
- mild fever;
- runny nose;
- red, watery eyes; and
- a mild cough.
As it gets worse, the cough can become severe and last for weeks or even months. The coughing can make it hard to breathe. It can cause vomiting and may be followed by a “whooping” sound as the person tries to catch their breath.
Prevention
To safeguard against this preventable illness the Government of Yukon is encouraging all Yukoners to do the following.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations: Ensure that you and your family have received all recommended vaccinations. Check your immunization records and confirm that your children are fully vaccinated.
- Practise good hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Avoid sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with others.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or cough into your sleeve to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
- Monitor symptoms: If you or your child develop symptoms of pertussis (such as mild fever, runny nose, red eyes, or persistent coughing), contact your health care provider immediately for diagnosis and early treatment to prevent further spread.
Ayodeji Awobamise
Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
[email protected]