Whooping cough outbreak declared in Preeceville area: Sask. Health Authority
A whooping cough outbreak has been declared in the Preeceville, Sask. area, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
Also known as Pertussis, the infection is serious and contagious, affecting the lungs and throat.
The SHA says symptoms of early stages of whooping cough are common cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, mild fever, and a mild cough.
The cough will get worse leading to severe coughing spells, as the illness develops, and will often end with a “whooping” sound before the next breath. The SHA said the “whooping” sound is especially true in young children, but teenagers and adults may not make the sound.
The cough, which occurs more often at night, can last one or two months and also produces mucus which makes it difficult to breathe.
The SHA said contracting the illness does not produce protection, so people who have gotten whooping cough may get it again.
“The risk of serious illness can be reduced with vaccination. It is important to ensure that you and your children are up-to-date on your vaccinations,” Medical Health Officer Dr. Ashok Chhetri said in a release.
The SHA also recommends the vaccine for pregnant women in each pregnancy from 27-32 weeks of gestation, which will provide temporary protection to the infant.
The illness can affect anyone but can be fatal for infants less than one-year-old.
Saskatchewan had three whooping cough-related deaths between 2010 and 2015, the SHA said.
Preeceville is about 273 kilometres northeast of Regina.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm. Florida orders evacuations
Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm off Mexico and threatens Florida, forecasters say.
'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm. What does that mean?
Hurricane Milton quickly intensified to a Category 5 storm on Monday, reaching the most dangerous rank on what's known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Canadians head for higher ground as threat of Hurricane Milton nears Florida's Gulf Coast
The contents of entire homes have been kicked to the curb in one south Tampa neighbourhood. Piles of garbage bags, broken trees and waterlogged furniture serve as reminders of how unforgiving nature can be.
Two people injured in apparent road rage incident, shooting in Toronto
Two people are in hospital after they were chased and shot at in what appears to be an act of road rage before eventually flipping their car while trying to escape, police say.
Sammy Basso, longest living survivor of rare rapid-aging disease progeria, dies at 28
Sammy Basso, who was the longest living survivor of the rare genetic disease progeria, has died at the age of 28, the Italian Progeria Association said on Sunday.
Senior charged after minivan set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall
The day after a minivan was set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall, a 78-year-old man has been criminally charged.
Canadian soldier wins compensation for cancer linked to burn pits after Veterans Affairs denied claim
A Canadian soldier who was exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits while serving in Afghanistan has been awarded full medical compensation for testicular cancer after Veterans Affairs initially denied his claim.
A Canadian woman was recently diagnosed with scurvy. Here are the factors tied to the disease
Scurvy is not just an archaic diagnosis of 18th-century seafarers and doctors should watch for possible cases, according to researchers following a recent case.