VCH Public Health has identified increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the Pemberton area. Pertussis is a serious infection of the airways caused by pertussis bacteria. People of any age can get pertussis, but young children who have not been immunized get sicker than older children and adults.
This disease can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death, most often in infants under one year of age.
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Pertussis spreads easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes or has close contact with others. Sharing food, drinks or cigarettes, or kissing an infected person can also pose a risk. Pertussis can be spread to others during the early stages of the infection when symptoms are not severe, and if left untreated, can spread up to three weeks after the cough starts.
Early symptoms are like those of a cold (sneezing, runny nose, a low fever, and a mild cough). Over the next week or two, longer coughing spells often end with a whoop or crowing sound when the person breathes in. The cough can also result in vomiting. Early testing and treatment with antibiotics can reduce the duration of the cough (which can last many weeks), as well as reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease to other people. It is most important to prevent pertussis in infants and their caregivers.
Pemberton area and surrounding First Nation community residents, especially families with young children, are asked to be aware of symptoms of pertussis, and seek testing and treatment as needed. Residents are also encouraged to make sure they and their family’s vaccines are up to date.
Children normally receive pertussis-containing vaccinations starting at 2 months of age (followed by vaccine at 4, 6 and 18 months), kindergarten entry, and in Grade 9. Immunization records for school-age children are available through public health, local community health centre, or on Health Gateway. All pregnant persons are recommended to be vaccinated as the transfer of antibodies to the baby is highly protective against pertussis infection in the first three months of life. It is recommended adults get a booster dose of the pertussis vaccine (given as the Tdap vaccine) once in adulthood.
At this time, pertussis vaccine is being recommended and offered for free for the following persons: Children who have not started on their immunizations or may be behind for any reason.
Pregnant people. Vaccine is ideally given at 27-32 weeks of pregnancy but can be given as early as 13 weeks and up until delivery.
Parents and other household contacts where there are children < 1 year of age.
Any other adults unsure of their vaccination history can also get a pertussis booster now. If your child is not up to date, you can book at public health clinics by using the following link: https://pembertonpublichealth.janeapp.com/ Vaccine is also available at Frontier Pharmacy for those >5 years of age. Please call 604-894-6416. Vaccine is also available to the residents of the Lil’wat Nation. Contact Community Health at Lil’wat Health and Healing @ 604-894-6656.
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