Cases of a highly contagious respiratory tract infection on the rise in the north

The Sudbury - Manitoulin area is seeing reports of increased infections and community exposures of pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts issued an advisory alert identifying several cases of the infection locally.

As of Oct. 15, officials said that 32 cases have been reported.

Last year, they said there were seven total in 2023 and none between 2020 and 2022.

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Afzaa Rajabali, a health promoter with Public Health Sudbury & Districts, said there are several factors contributing to the rise in cases.

"Whooping cough, typically, has a cyclical pattern when cases rise every two to five years and in our area," Rajabali said.

"We had a peak in 2019 with 45 cases."

Vaccines to protect against the infection are given starting in infancy, with booster doses recommended in adolescence and adulthood.

"The immunity or protection from the whooping cough vaccine fades over time, particularly after seven to eight years. Therefore, it is important to get your booster doses if you are eligible," Rajabali said.
"Low vaccination rates, including because of the impact of COVID-19, may be playing a role in the global resurgence."

The health promoter said the most important preventative measure is vaccination.

“We ask individuals to ensure you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations," Rajabali said.

"In Ontario, the Tdap vaccine is free of charge. It is safe and it is part of the routine immunization schedule."

Anyone unsure about their vaccination status can contact their health-care provider or public health. Vaccine records can also be submitted online.

Public Health said pertussis can initially mirror a mild respiratory infection or cold.

Sometimes, classic symptoms such as a high-pitched 'whoop' sound, gagging or vomiting don't present until after two or three weeks.

"An infant's symptoms may look like severe coughing, choking after coughing, feeding poorly or having difficulty in breathing," Rajabali said.

"If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to get assessed and tested.”

For more information visit phsd.ca