The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has issued a warning to residents about potential exposure to whooping cough following a cluster of confirmed cases in the region. The health unit confirmed five community cases in June, with possible exposure locations in Kingsville and Ruthven.
Exposure Locations and Dates
The health unit identified three exposure locations. In Kingsville, exposures occurred at Erie Migration Elementary from June 8 to June 25 and at TMC Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic between 9:06 a.m. and 11:01 a.m. on June 3. In Ruthven, the Word of Life Community Church was a potential exposure site on June 21.
This warning follows a separate announcement last month of a confirmed case in Leamington, with potential exposures at the Central Erie Shores Walk-In Clinic on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and June 9 between 1:20 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Health Unit Response and Vaccination Urged
“The WECHU continues to investigate this cluster of cases and is working closely with affected individuals and community partners to identify contacts, reduce transmission, and protect those at greatest risk of severe disease,” the agency said in a media release. “Additional exposure locations may be identified as the investigation continues.”
The health unit strongly encourages everyone to ensure they and their family members are up to date with their vaccines. Residents can get vaccinated by contacting their family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Symptoms and Risks
Also called Pertussis, whooping cough is an extremely contagious bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and throat. It easily spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or has close contact with others. Babies are most at risk.
Early symptoms can resemble a cold, including runny nose or congestion, sneezing, mild fever, and a mild cough. The cough can worsen after one or two weeks, leading to strong coughing fits, trouble breathing, vomiting after coughing, or a “whoop” sound when breathing in.
Babies under one year old are most at risk for serious illness. Pregnant people, families with young babies, and anyone frequently around babies should watch closely for symptoms after a possible exposure. Teens and adults may have milder symptoms but can still spread the illness.
Recommendations for the Public
Health officials ask anyone who visited the exposure locations on the specified dates and times to monitor for symptoms of Pertussis, which can take up to 21 days to develop. Those showing symptoms after a possible exposure should stay home if possible and call ahead before going to a clinic or healthcare site to protect other patients and healthcare workers.
For more information about Pertussis, visit wechu.org or call the health unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420.
