Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist

The Public Health Department of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) of the Laurentians wishes to inform the public about an increase in whooping cough cases in the Laurentian region. The disease is also spreading more in other parts of the province. Since the beginning of the year, 41 cases of whooping cough have been reported to the Laurentians Public Health Department, with the majority affecting young people aged 10 to 19. Five cases have been observed in children under one year old.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that can lead to pneumonia. The bacteria are transmitted through nasal and throat secretions, starting with symptoms similar to a cold. This is followed by severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, and a high-pitched “whoop” sound. Coughing can cause vomiting and a bluish discoloration of the face. In infants, a pause in breathing (apnea) is often the first symptom, and the cough may be mild or absent.

Children under one year are at a higher risk of complications, and most babies under six months will need hospitalization. Although deaths are rare, they occur mainly in infants under three months. Pregnant women infected in the four weeks before delivery have a high risk of transmitting the disease to their babies.

“Whooping cough typically causes outbreaks every 4 to 5 years. The last outbreak was in 2019, with just over 300 cases in the region. An increase in cases is expected in the coming weeks. We want to remind the regional population that vaccination remains the best way to protect against this disease,” explains Dr. Éric Goyer, Director of Public Health of the Laurentians.

Protection and Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child against whooping cough and prevent complications. A dose of the vaccine should be administered at the ages of 2, 4, and 12 months, as well as between 4 and 6 years. For any questions regarding updating your child’s vaccination record or knowing when to consult a doctor, contact Info-Santé at 811. In case of whooping cough infection, antibiotics can reduce the risk of disease transmission. If symptoms appear, it is important to see a doctor promptly.

It is also recommended that all pregnant women get vaccinated against whooping cough during each pregnancy, between the 26th and 32nd week, to protect their baby from birth. Vaccinating pregnant women can prevent 90% of hospitalizations and 95% of deaths in children under three months old.

Appointments for whooping cough vaccination can be made on Clic Santé. Parents of children aged six and under can also book an appointment by phone at 450-473-6811, extension 44407.