A whooping cough outbreak that has resulted in at least 103 known cases in the Fraser Valley has shown no signs of emerging in the northern half of the province.
Just one case, an adult in northwestern B.C., has been reported this year to the Northern Health Authority.
"There has not been any unusual pertussis behaviour in the Northern Health region this year," said Northern Health spokesperson Jessica Quinn. "In the last three years, there have only been six cases -- three in 2011, one in 2010 and two in 2009."
Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is an infectious bacterial disease that in the early stages produces cold-like symptoms which can persist for weeks, leaving patients with a dry cough that sometimes ends with a whooping sound between breaths.
It can be life-threatening, especially for infants younger than three months old. About half of the children affected require hospitalization. Symptoms include severe bouts of coughing and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia, convulsions, or brain damage can also result. Pertussis kills between one and three Canadians die every year.
It is contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact. Avoid sharing food, drinks or cigarettes, or kissing an infected person. The germ can be spread to others for up to three weeks after the cough begins.
Vaccine against pertussis is part of the routine childhood immunization program and is available for youths and adults. Quinn recommends parents unsure about their children's immunizations should contact Northern Health or a family doctor.
Recent cases have been identified in Chilliwack, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs, with several isolated cases in Surrey, Langley and Maple Ridge. The Vancouver Sun reported one case was serious enough to require an extended hospital stay. The Fraser Health Authority has stockpiled 50,000 doses of the vaccine.
A booster vaccine was given to adolescents in B.C. 10 years ago and provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall said the province is considering developing a booster shot for adults as well.
For more information on whooping cough, go to http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile15c.stm.
