Whooping cough returns

Photo: Contributed

A handful of whooping cough cases in Vernon is no cause for alarm, according to a senior Interior Health official.

There have been five cases in total in Vernon schools during the past few weeks, said Dr. Kamran Golmohammadi, IH medical health officer, who added that there have been no cases in the Central Okanagan during the same period.

In December, IH confirmed a number of cases at Vernon Secondary School.

“We certainly encourage vaccination, as it is a preventable disease,” said Golmohammadi. “It causes a lot of pain and hassle.”

“For children less than 12 months old, it can be deadly.”

Although January numbers were not provided, 2015 figures show a total of 174 cases of whooping cough or pertussis throughout the Interior Health region over 12 months.

“Specifically, 68 were in the Central Okanagan and 32 were Vernon cases,” said Golmohammadi. “However, to call the increased numbers an outbreak, they should have to reach a threshold.”

The medical health officer said that number was not reached last year.

In August, IH issued a reminder to parents about the importance of making sure their children’s immunizations were up to date.

“Pertussis starts with similar symptoms to a common cold (runny nose, sore throat and mild fever) and then progresses to a cough. The cough can become severe,” said Golmohammadi.

He said parents can contact their local health centre to book an appointment to immunize their children.