Moose Jaw health region confirms 67 cases of whooping cough

More cases of whooping cough are being confirmed in the Moose Jaw area.

The Five Hills Health Region is confirming 67 lab-proven cases of pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough due to the sound people who have it make while coughing.

Medical health officer Dr. Mark Vooght said he wasn’t aware of any cases that resulted in hospitalization, but the illness can be quite serious.

“That’s always a concern, especially amongst the younger children and especially among those less than a year of age,” Vooght said, adding those with compromised immune systems are also most at risk.

Risks include obstruction of airwaves, sepsis and serious infection. Vooght said many people only get checked out when they’re very sick – even bed-bound – and have had whooping cough for a while.

“If you have a cough, especially if it’s a bad barking cough with a whoop on the end of it, then phone ahead to your practitioners,” he advised. “It’s really wise to get yourself as well-immuned as possible.”

In February, the Five Hills Health Region confirmed an outbreak of whooping cough involving school-aged children. Five people were affected.