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Pertussis or Whooping Cough Outbreak Reported in Whitehorse

Wednesday, 28 June 2017 10:55

At least five confirmed cases in the capital.

Health officials are urging Yukoners to ensure their pertussis or whooping cough vaccination is up-to-date, following an outbreak in Whitehorse.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley say at least five cases have been confirmed in the capital, but predicts the outbreak will affect the communities.

"Vaccination is still our best tool for fighting pertussis. What we find is that the pertussis vaccine doesn't last as long as we would like it too. The more recent the vaccination the better."

Early symptoms are like those of a cold (sneezing, runny nose, a low fever and a mild cough), but over the next week or two, the cough gets worse leading to longer spells of coughing that often end with a whoop or crowing sound when the person breathes in.

The coughing may be so bad that it makes a person gag or throw up.

Sometimes a thick, clear mucous is spit out. This cough can last up to a month or two, and happens more at night.

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