The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has declared a local whooping cough outbreak affecting residents across the region.

There have been 16 cases of whooping cough – or pertussis – reported in the area since January 2024.

“This is an increase from the previous five years, where we had an average of only 3.8 cases per year,” the health unit said in a news release Wednesday.

“With the increase of cases throughout the health unit area, many of whom are not linked to each other, it is clear there is community spread throughout the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts,” medical officer of health Dr. Carol Zimbalatti said in the release.

Pertussis, an infection that affects the airways, can easily spread to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, low fever and a mild cough that gets worse over two weeks, often ending in a ‘whooping’ sound.

“The cough may be so severe that a person may gag or vomit and be unable to catch their breath,” the health unit said.

“The cough can last up to 100 days, impacting an infected person’s abilities to sleep, work and participate in other daily activities.”

Click here to listen to the sound of whooping cough in a baby.

“Anyone can get pertussis and it can cause serious complications, especially for infants under one year of age and pregnant individuals,” the news release said.

“The health unit is advising those who are experiencing a new or worsening cough to avoid contact with high-risk individuals, including infants less than one year of age and individuals in their third trimester of pregnancy.”

Highly contagious

Anyone with a severe cough and concerns about their symptoms should wear a mask and seek medical attention through their primary health-care provider or a walk-in clinic.

Pertussis can be prevented by staying up-to-date with vaccinations. A pertussis vaccine is usually given at two, four, six and 18 months of age. Booster doses are given at four to six years of age, and 14 to 16 years of age.

A free booster is also available to adults over 18 years old and is highly recommended for pregnant individuals during each pregnancy to protect newborns.

Individuals needing to catch up on their vaccines can book an appointment with their health-care provider or contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 1301.

For more information about pertussis, click here.