AHS says pertussis outbreak has hit Lethbridge
By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on April 28, 2023.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com
Alberta Health Services said Thursday a whooping cough outbreak now has 146 identified cases in the South Zone.
Those cases of pertussis are an increase of 126 as of April 20.
In a press release, AHS says the new cases show the outbreak is now present in both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat as well as smaller communities in the zone. Cases have been identified at schools, churches and other community places where children gather to take lessons.
“Public Health is unable to identify linkages between most of the recent cases, indicating there is likely more disease circulating in communities that is not being reported,” says AHS.
Most cases are in children aged one to nine years but pertussis has also hit some adults. AHS says newborns and young children are the most vulnerable for severe illness and complications due to pertussis. Five kids have been hospitalized during the outbreak.
“Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe and prolonged coughing that lasts for weeks. It can impact people of all ages but infants one year and younger are at greatest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and death,” says AHS which recommends all Albertans be up to date on immunizations and to stay home when ill.
Early treatment with antibiotics can reduce severity and limit the spread of pertussis, says AHS, and shorten the time required to stay home. Those with confirmed cases are urged to stay home until five days of treament has been completed. People who suspect they have the illness should contact their healthcare provider or call 811.
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10-9
It is also not helpful that many Alberta folks look to the now Premier of Alberta, with her anti-vax, anti-covid-mandate history, and are still, willing to play loose and fast with their children’s lives and long term well being. God’s will?
One of my cousins as a 3 month old infant in the 1940s became ill with whooping cough. Her mother came and stayed with her parents and the rest of the family. They took turns, 24/7 being with this baby constantly and when the spasmodic coughing episode would start they held her up to facilitate breathing. They kept her alive. This is why, when the vaccines became available for whooping cough, polio, etc., Alberta folks and their children lined up to get vaccinated. Will lessons be learned the unfortunate hard way?