Almost half of Ontario's whooping cough cases are in this region

A report from Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) claims almost half of Ontario's cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, were contracted in the health unit's coverage area, which includes St. Thomas and Elgin and Oxford counties.

Between Jan. 1, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023, 82 cases were confirmed in the region, representing roughly 40 per cent of the provincial total from that time period.

Pertussis was once one of the most common childhood diseases and contributed significantly to child mortality rates in the 20th century until the development of a vaccine decreased cases and deaths, according to the health unit.

If untreated, the condition can lead to hospitalization, brain damage and death.

Officials urge vaccination

"There's a combination of factors that explain why we're seeing so many cases," said Dr. Ninh Tran, the medical officer of health for SWPH.

Pertussis is a cyclical disease and typically flares up in cycles of three to five years, according to Tran. Oxford and Elgin Counties also have a larger portion of the population lacking vaccines compared to the rest of the province, he said.

A lower baseline level of vaccination, paired with a lagging vaccination count due to pandemic disruptions, contributes to a more vulnerable public, he added.

With that, officials with the health unit are urging parents and guardians to keep themselves and their children up to date with the pertussis vaccination.

"I have two asks of our local parents. The first is that you make yourself familiar with the symptoms of pertussis and seek medical care if your child has these symptoms," said Tran. "Second, please contact your family healthcare provider or Southwestern Public Health to get your child's routine vaccinations up to date."

Vaccination for pertussis needs to be maintained throughout one's lifetime, unlike many other vaccinations that last much longer, Tran said.

Symptoms of pertussis begin with nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, cough and fever. The cough can last between two and eight weeks and gets worse progressively, leading to vomiting or trouble breathing.

The "whooping" sound comes when a child with the condition tries to catch their breath during a coughing fit.

Residents in SWPH's coverage area can book a vaccination appointment online atwww.swpublichealth.ca/bookingand choose the location nearest them.