Prince Edward Collegiate contacted parents last month to provide information on Pertussis, a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable, bacterial infection of the upper airways. Just one case was found at the school, and no new cases have been reported since. 

Pertussis infections generally begin with a runny nose and a low grade fever, and develop into a cough that is frequent, intense, and difficult to stop. The cough can be so intense that it can cause vomiting, losing consciousness, or hurt ribs.

The characteristic “whoop” sound typically develops in children, but often does not appear in infants, teens, and older adults. The “whoop” happens between coughs, while breathing in, and is a high pitched sound. It is the result of a constricted airway.

People who have Pertussis can spread the bacteria to others for up to 3 weeks from the first onset of symptoms (runny nose). The cough may last for months.

The best protection against Pertussis is vaccination with the DTaP (children) or TDaP (teens, adults, pregnant women) vaccines, which protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. It is a highly effective and safe vaccine. It is typically given at two, four, six, and 18 months in childhood. This is followed by a booster vaccine between the ages four to six, and every ten years thereafter.

You can get this or other vaccines through a public health immunization clinic. Consult the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health website for details. 

If you are diagnosed with Pertussis, the treatment is a seven day course of antibiotics, and lots of rest. You are also encouraged to call your school or place of work, call the Hastings Prince Edward County Public Health Communicable Disease Program at 613-966-5500, and stay home until you have completed your course of antibiotics.

Pertussis is particularly dangerous for infants ages 0-12 months, pregnant women, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised. If you are sick, avoid contact with these individuals as much as possible.

For more information, visit the Hastings Prince Edward County Public Health website, or reach them by phone at 613-966-5500.  

Dr. Gautham Krishnaraj is a Fellow in Journalism & Health Impact at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health