Public Health says whooping cough on the rise in Hamilton

Hamilton Public Health Services has reported an increase in whooping cough cases in Hamilton.

There were 11 cases reported between Jan. 1 and Aug. 29 of this year.

Clinically referred to as Bordetella pertussis, whopping cough is very contagious and is spread via coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms typically start with a mild fever, runny nose and red watery eyes, and can progress to serious coughing fits.

Whooping cough can last for two to eight weeks and is more serious in infants, particularly if they are behind in their routine vaccinations.

Getting pertussis does not provide immunity, so you can get it again. Dr. Brendan Lew, Associate Medial Officer of Health for Hamilton Public Heath, said that “fully vaccinated children and adults can still get infected due to decreasing immunity over time, but they generally have less severe symptoms and fewer complications.”

READ MORE: Health unit confirms 12 cases of whooping cough in Brant area

There was a decrease in transmission of whooping cough through the COVID-19 pandemic, and only three cases were reported between 2020 and 2023.

Prior to COVID-19, 19 cases were reported in 2019 in Hamilton.

The vaccine for whopping cough for older children and adults is the Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. It is safe for pregnant women after 26 weeks of pregnancy. DTaP is the vaccine for infants and young children.

Hamilton Public Health reminds parents and guardians that “it is also important for parents to make sure their child’s vaccinations are up-to-date and reported to Hamilton Public Health Services.”