COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES NOTIFYING COMMUNITY OF CONFIRMED CASES OF WHOOPING COUGH IN AKWESASNE

The MCA Department of Health’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Program is notifying the community that there have been confirmed cases of pertussis, or “whooping cough,” in the community.

WHAT IS PERTUSSIS?
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious infection of the lungs and airways caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It spreads by respiratory droplets or direct contact with respiratory secretions of a positive case. Pertussis cough can last for up to two (2) weeks or longer. Pertussis has an incubation period of 5 – 15 days.

PERTUSSIS SYMPTOMS (THREE STAGES):
• Stage 1: Mild upper respiratory symptoms (fever, runny nose, pink eye) with mild occasional cough that lasts 1 – 2 weeks
• Stage 2: sever and frequent cough which can last 1 – 2 months (and sometimes longer), repeated violent coughing, high pitched respiratory whoop may occur, commonly followed by vomiting
• Stage 3: gradual recovery period where the cough resolves; recovery can take weeks to months

TREATMENT OPTIONS
• Early antibiotic treatment for primary care physician or healthcare provider, or at the emergency room department at your nearest hospital
• Antibiotic treatment can reduce the severity of the illness and prevent the bacterium from spreading to others

PREVENTION
• Vaccination
• Frequently washing hands with soap and water
• Individuals displaying symptoms should be isolated from other people.

Pertussis vaccination is given at the following ages:
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 18 months
• 4 years old
• 14 years old

Any adults who have not received a pertussis containing vaccine in adulthood (18 years of age), are eligible to receive the pertussis vaccine.

For more information on pertussis (whooping cough), or to schedule a vaccination appointment, please contact MCA Community Health Services at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.