July 28, 2023
CALGARY – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is notifying the public of three confirmed cases of pertussis/whooping cough in southeast Calgary.
While the risk of transmission is low, anyone who attended a large gathering, or community event in Mackenzie Towne in southeast Calgary on July 2, 2023, and is experiencing a cough, or other cold or flu-like symptoms, should isolate at home and call a family physician or Health Link at 811. This public notification is being provided as Alberta is currently experiencing multiple cases of pertussis in four zones and to ensure Albertans know of the resources available to learn more.
All three confirmed cases of pertussis reside in one household in the Calgary Zone and are isolating at home. All individuals currently known to have been potentially exposed to the confirmed cases are being notified directly by AHS.
Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe and prolonged coughing that lasts for weeks. It can impact people of all ages, however, infants one year and younger are at greatest risk of serious complications.
Pertussis illness starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever, and mild cough. Typically, over the duration of a week, the cough will become more severe with repetitive coughing spells. In younger children, these coughing spells are often followed by a ‘whooping’ sound when inhaling. Vomiting following a coughing spell is also common.
Immunization is the best method to protect against, and limit the spread of pertussis, along with regular hand washing and remembering to not share drinks, food, or cutlery. Pertussis immunization is safe and effective against preventing severe illness. In Alberta, it is free for all children less than 18 years of age, people who are in the third trimester of pregnancy (27 weeks), and adults who have not had a pertussis vaccine for 10 years.
All Calgary Zone residents are reminded to stay up to date on their immunizations. Individuals uncertain of their child’s or their own immunization history can contact their local community health centre or public health office. See Alberta’s Routine Childhood Immunization schedule for more information.
If an individual thinks they may be sick with pertussis, they should stay home and call a family physician or Health Link at 811, before seeking medical care. People with confirmed pertussis should stay home until five days of treatment with appropriate antibiotics have been completed. Anyone who has had respiratory symptoms in the previous 10 days should wear a mask when indoors with other people.
Additional information on pertussis and immunizations can be found online at the following links:
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
