The number of whooping cough cases in Quebec has surpassed 6,000, according to recent reports from health officials.
The highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as pertussis, has been on the rise in the province since the beginning of the year. As of May 31, there have been 6,083 confirmed cases, with 1,000 of those occurring in the last month alone.
This is a significant increase compared to the same time period last year, where there were only 1,700 cases reported. The majority of cases have been in children under the age of 10, with infants being the most vulnerable.
Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec’s director of public health, has expressed concern over the rising numbers and is urging parents to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccinations. The whooping cough vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule and is recommended for infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with booster shots at 18 months and between 4-6 years old.
Symptoms of whooping cough include a persistent cough, runny nose, and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and even death, especially in infants.
Health officials are also reminding adults to get vaccinated, as they can also contract and spread the infection to children. The vaccine is available for free at clinics and pharmacies across the province.
In addition to vaccinations, health officials are also stressing the importance of proper hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes, to prevent the spread of the infection.
While the number of cases is concerning, health officials are hopeful that with increased awareness and preventative measures, the number of whooping cough cases will decrease in the coming months. In the meantime, they are urging anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention and to stay home to prevent further spread of the infection.
