The increase in cases of whooping cough, which first appeared in Estrie and Chaudière-Appalaches, continues to gain ground across the province. The authorities therefore invite the population to take the necessary precautions.
Children under six months of age are most at risk of complications. They may experience apnea, slow heart rate, which can gradually lead them to intensive care and even death.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease, mainly transmitted by droplets projected into the air. Infected people are contagious for five days after receiving antibiotic treatment, but this period of contagiousness can last up to three weeks in the absence of medication.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The DD Caroline Quach-Thanh
For epidemiologist Caroline Quach-Thanh, this increase in cases of whooping cough in Quebec is “not unexpected”, because it is a so-called “cyclical” disease. Infection peaks normally occur every four years, the last recorded was in 2019.
The increase in whooping cough cases is likely to continue throughout the summer until peaking around the start of the school year.
Vaccinate pregnant women and children
According to the DD Quach-Thanh, the figures that Quebec is currently experiencing generally resemble what has been seen in the past. However, young people aged 10 to 19 are more affected, unlike in previous years when those under six months old were the most affected.
She therefore calls for the need to vaccinate younger children and pregnant women.
The main objective of the vaccination program is to avoid mortality and complications in young babies, it is really in this age group that has the most problems, she says. The reason why we vaccinate the pregnant woman is so that she develops antibodies in sufficient quantities so that she can pass to the baby.”
DD Caroline Quach-Thanh, epidemiologist
A runny nose and a persistent cough are symptoms commonly associated with the disease. Coughing fits can last from several weeks to a month.
The DD Quach-Thanh therefore invites anyone who presents symptoms to get tested and wear a mask to limit transmission. Symptomatic people are also asked not to be around very young children.
The majority of people born in Quebec have been vaccinated thanks to a program protecting against whooping cough available since 1946 and are therefore not targeted by a new administration of the vaccine.