Eastern Ontario Health Unit warns of rise in whooping cough

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is reminding the public to ensure they are fully vaccinated against pertussisalso known as whooping cough as cases are on the rise in the region. EOHU sent the alert Friday.

In a conversation with CBC, EOHU's Medical Officer of Health Dr.Paul Roumeliotissaid his team wanted to "sound the alarm" because they saw so many cases.

He said Ontario has had 280 reported cases this year, whereasthere were 190 reported this time last year. Six cases were within the past week, he said.

In a statement, Ottawa Public Healthsaid there have been eightreported whooping cough cases in the citymore than all of 2023, but still fewer than thepre-pandemic yearly average of 27.

Quebec and New Brunswick have also been dealing with increased whooping cough cases this month.

Doctor Jane Liddle, a local pediatrician and University of Ottawa lecturer, is one of the doctors urging people to check their vaccination records.

"You can have a very mildcase of whooping cough and probably be fine. The problem is, you may also be the person who shares it to someone who is highly vulnerable, be it an infant, older person,or someone who is dealing with chronic illness."

Roumeliotissaid most of the cases of whooping cough in eastern Ontario have been amongpeople who were unvaccinated.