Alberta Health Services (AHS) says a confirmed case of whooping cough (pertussis) has been reported in a child in the Stettler area.
To help prevent its spread, AHS Public Health has sent an information letter to local physicians and William E. Hay Stettler Secondary.
Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe, prolonged coughing. It starts with cold-like symptoms and worsens over a week, often leading to repetitive coughing spells.
In young children, these spells may be followed by a ‘whooping’ sound when inhaling.
Because pertussis is bacterial, early antibiotic treatment can reduce severity, limit spread, and shorten the time required to stay home.
It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Anyone who suspects they have pertussis should contact their primary care provider or call 811.
More information is available online at: Whooping Cough (Pertussis), and the Immunization and routine immunization schedule.
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