Alberta Health Services issues whooping cough advisory for Okotoks

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a health advisory for the Town of Okotoks following an increase in cases of pertussis (whooping cough).

Since 2023, 17 cases of pertussis have been identified in the Okotoks area, according to AHS, all of which were acquired locally. One of these people needed hospitalization.

In that same time period, there were 39 cases in all of the Calgary zone, which includes Okotoks.

AHS says pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe and prolonged coughing that lasts for weeks.

It can impact people of all ages, but children one year and younger are at a higher risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and death.

The illness starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever, and a mild cough, the health agency says.

Typically, within a week, the cough will become more severe with repetitive coughing spells. In younger kids, these spells are usually followed by a “whooping” sound when inhaling. AHS also says vomiting following a coughing spell is also common.

If someone thinks they may be sick with pertussis, they should stay home and call a family doctor or Health Link at 811 before seeking medical care.

People with confirmed pertussis should stay home until five days of treatment with the appropriate antibiotics have been completed.

AHS says immunization is the best way to protect against and limit the spread of pertussis, along with regular handwashing, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and remembering not to share drinks, food, or cutlery.

In Alberta, the vaccine is free of charge for all children younger than 18, people who are in the third trimester of pregnancy (27 weeks), and adults who haven’t had a tetanus booster in the past 10 years.

Pertussis vaccine in Alberta also protects against tetanus and diphtheria, according to the provincial health agency.