N.L.'s most vulnerable at risk from spike in whooping cough, says Fitzgerald

Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer of health says she's concerned aboutthe surge of whooping cough cases in the province because of the risk to the youngest people in the province.

Dr. Janice Fitzgeraldsaid people should ensure they're protected by getting an updated pertussis vaccine. The vaccine is given as part of the routine immunization series with a booster dose in Grade 9, but immunity can wane.

"Every adult really should have an update of their pertussis vaccine at least 10 years after that Grade 9 vaccine. So at least once in your adulthood," Fitzgerald told CBC News on Friday.

She said anyone who knows they'll be around babies or young children including family members and care providers should make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Babies under a year old especially those less than two months old are at the highest risk of health complications due to whooping cough.

Newfoundland and Labrador has reported 50 cases of the disease, also called pertussis, so far in 2024. The province usually sees only three or four cases a year, say health officials. Many of the cases have been reported in schoolchildren, but some have been found inbabies andseniors as well.

"[It's]difficult to know if perhaps it's spreading a little more easily because of, you know, reduced vaccination rates because of the pandemicand other things that are happening in other areas of the world," said Fitzgerald.

N.L. Health Services has opened an appointment-only testing clinic at 50 Mundy Pond Rd. in St. John's. Testing will beavailable for people with whooping cough symptomsand people who have been in contact with confirmed cases.

Fitzgerald said residents should check with their local public health office to determine whether they need a booster. Protection against pertussis is also included intetanus shots, she added, so anyone who has had one in the past decade shouldn't need a booster.

WATCH | Janice Fitzgerald on why whooping cough is surging:

Whooping cough can be life-threatening for babies. N.L.s top doc says ensure your vaccines are up to date

5 months ago

Duration 1:06

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says there is community spread of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, with 50 cases reported so far this year. Normally, Newfoundland and Labrador only sees five. Several schools have confirmed cases and Fitzgerald tells the CBCs Mark Quinn its hard to say if cases have peaked.

Fitzgerald said more cases are to be expected as contacts of positive cases get tested.

Work is being done to notify potential contacts at places like schools and sporting events, she added.

"Letting people know so that they are aware, so that they're able to stay home and not spread things, that's really important," she said.

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