Newfoundland whooping cough outbreak sparks concerns: Symptoms, risks and what parents should know

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Health officials in Newfoundland have declared an outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) in parts of the province. Since February, 42 cases have been reported, predominantly affecting children, though patients range from two months to 89 years old.

This "evolving situation" prompted the health authority to open a testing clinic in St. John's on Thursday, for those with symptoms or who have been in contact with a confirmed infection.

Newfoundland's chief medical officer of health also noted 50 cases have been confirmed across the province this year, and is urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

This latest outbreak follows a similar surge in Alberta, where 120 cases were recorded in 2024, with 86 per cent involving unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. Pediatrician Dr. Cora Constantinescu emphasized, at the time, the importance of vaccinating vulnerable groups to prevent severe outcomes: "Think hard about who in your family is vulnerable. Do you have a baby? That's a big deal when it comes to whooping cough in terms of mortality and severity of disease," she told Global News in March.

Compared to recent years, there's a dramatically high number of whooping cough cases in Canada. In fact, the number of cases from 2023 were on track to be some of the highest in a decade, according to provincial reports.

Given the escalating situation nationwide, here's a guide on whooping cough, its symptoms and how to protect yourself and your children.

What is whooping cough and is it contagious?

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the airways and lungs, according to Alberta Health Services. It was initially called the 100-day cough, since people with the disease may be coughing for months.

Known medically as pertussis, it's a disease that spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or coming into contact with someone who is infected. It's possible to contract whooping cough if you touch your eyes or face after touching objects that someone who is already infected touched, such as toys. Moreover the bacteria can survive on dry surfaces for two to six days.

The disease occurs year-round and causes serious coughing fits, often causing intense sounds that may force someone to sound like they're "whooping" in between breaths.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough? How can I tell if my child has it?

Prior to those serious coughing fits, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) notes whooping cough symptoms typically start with a mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes and a cough. These initial symptoms may begin seven to 10 days after being infected with the bacteria, but might also appear up to 28 days after infection.

Symptoms may be less severe for older children and adults, and might seem like common cold symptoms with a cough that lasts longer than a week. In infants, symptoms may include a cough, feeding poorly, difficulty breathing and choking after coughing.

Is whooping cough deadly?

The coughing fits from pertussis may lead to difficulty breathing, choking and vomiting. Moreover, rare cases of whooping cough could lead to seizures, brain injury or even death, Alberta Health Services indicates. One to four deaths in Canada each year are related to pertussis, which are often babies who are too young to be immunized or children who weren't vaccinated.

For babies who have whooping cough, complications include vomiting after coughing, weight loss, pneumonia, convulsions and brain damage.

Who is at risk of whooping cough?

Between 1,000 and 3,000 people get sick with whooping cough each year in Canada, according to the federal public health agency. Across the world, there are roughly 20 to 40 million cases as well as 400,000 deaths each year due to the disease.

Whooping cough mostly affects babies who are too young to be vaccinated, or children between ages 11 and 18 who have waning immunization or none at all. The PHAC indicates the disease is most dangerous for babies under the age of one, especially if they're unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.

How is whooping cough treated?

Whooping cough can only be diagnosed by a health care professional who will use laboratory results and assess symptoms. If you re not being treated, it's recommended to avoid all contact with other people. You should stay isolated for three weeks after your cough began, or until your cough ends.

If you're being treated, you will likely be taking antibiotics. If prescribed, they must be taken as directed. You should stay away from children and babies until completing five days of treatment with antibiotics.

Whooping cough vaccine

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated against the disease, which Alberta Health Services says is "safe and effective at preventing severe illness." For pregnant people, a Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is recommended, which helps protect mothers and their babies, particularly during the first few months of their life.

Vaccines are then given in a four-dose series at two, four, six and, usually, 18 months of age. That's followed by a booster dose around the age a child enters school (roughly ages four to six), and then another booster around the ages of 14 and 16. Some provinces cover the cost of vaccination in adults older than age 18.

Moreover, you can prevent the spread of whooping cough by practicing regular hand washing, staying home when sick, covering your mouth when coughing, avoiding sharing food, drinks or cutlery as well as seeking early professional treatment when necessary.

What should I do if I think my child has whooping cough?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says if you think you or your child has whooping cough, it's best to see a doctor. Usually if your child is older, the course of recovery will take place at home. On top of taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed, there are few things parents can do to help alleviate the symptoms of whooping cough and manage its spread:

• Avoid taking cough medicine unless recommended by a health care provider

• Keep your home free of irritants, such as dust, smoke and chemical fumes

• Use a clean, cool mist humidifier

• Properly wash hands often with soap and water

• Eat small meals every few hours to prevent vomiting

• Consume plenty of fluids

The CDC also recommends you immediately notify your doctor of any signs of dehydration, which may include dry mouth, sleepiness, thirst, decreased urination, few tears while crying, muscle weakness, headache or lightheadedness.

When should I go to the hospital with whooping cough?

If symptoms become serious, then a person with whooping cough will need to be hospitalized. Many babies with whooping cough will also need hospital treatment, and hospitalization is almost always needed for babies under six months of age.

The McGill University Health Centre recommends going to the hospital if your child has whooping cough and the following occurs:

• Develops a blue colour to their skin, particularly around the fingertips and mouth

• Stops breathing, even for an instant

• Has a high fever or seizures

• Vomits often or becomes dehydrated

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