REGINA - Despite reports of whooping cough outbreaks in neighbouring provinces Saskatchewan has been spared, so far.
In a statement, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health says it is “not aware of any recent increases in the number of whooping cough cases reported in Saskatchewan.”
However, they do acknowledge a recent increase in reported cases of whooping cough in Alberta and Manitoba. Alberta has seen cases spike in the south region this spring. In Manitoba, cases started spiking in late June and it is considered the worst whooping cough outbreak there in 25 years.
The Sask. Ministry of Health is saying it is important for Saskatchewan children to stay up-to-date on their routine childhood immunizations, and for women who are pregnant to discuss with their physician the benefits of getting a Tdap booster shot.
Information on vaccinations provided by Public Health including whooping cough (pertussis) is found at the Government of Saskatchewan website: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/immunization-services/when-to-get-immunized.
Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of whooping cough is found at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/pertussis-whooping-cough.
