Whooping cough outbreak reported across New Brunswick

New Brunswick has declared a nationwide whooping cough outbreak, two months after an outbreak was initially reported in the Acadian Peninsula.

“We are expanding this outbreak province-wide as several health regions are experiencing higher-than-usual cases of whooping cough,” said Dr. Yves Léger, acting chief medical officer of health, said in a statement late Thursday afternoon.

According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 141 cases have been confirmed so far, compared to the five-year average of 34 cases per year.

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

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

Highly contagious

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

It begins with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough and worsens over a few weeks to severe coughing attacks, often ending with a “whooping cough” or high-pitched sound.

Although whooping cough can occur at any age, it is “very serious” in babies and young children, particularly those too young to be fully vaccinated, the department advises.

“All New Brunswickers, especially expectant parents and anyone who has close contact with babies and young children, such as grandparents or caregivers, should ensure their whooping cough vaccination is up to date,” Léger said.

Vaccines are available from primary care providers such as doctors and nurses, as well as health departments.

Whooping cough is diagnosed based on symptoms and laboratory tests. Treatment involves an antibiotic, which, if given early, can slow the spread of the infection and the duration of the disease.