Whooping cough cases are rising across Canada: Symptoms, risks and what parents should know
As part of back to school preparation, parents are urged to review their kids' immunization status.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
Whooping cough cases are on the rise in some parts of Canada, creating a possible concern for some parents as kids start heading back to school. In some provinces, those sharp increases are higher than pre-pandemic averages.
Ontario, New Brunswick and Quebec have all reported significant rises in cases of the highly-contagious disease, which is also known as pertussis. Public Health Ontario reports the province has seen 470 cases as of June, with that month seeing the most new reported cases at 252. That's compared to a five-year average of 98 cases.
The Canadian Press reports Toronto has reported 99 cases so far this year, while Ottawa has seen 76. That's more than double the pre-pandemic annual averages those cities have reported.
Quebec, however, has seen a significant jump in cases, with the province reporting 11,670 cases so far this year. Between 2015 and 2019, there were only an average of 562 cases, with 2019 seeing the province's last peak with 1,269 cases. The majority of this year's cases are in patients between the ages of 10 and 14.
This spike in whooping cough cases comes after New Brunswick declared an outbreak last Thursday, with 141 cases reported so far in 2024. The province's health department shares this exceeds the five-year average of 34 cases per year.
"The most effective way to reduce the risk of whooping cough is vaccination," New Brunswick's acting chief medical officer of health, Dr. Yeves Léger, said in the Aug. 22 news release. That release adds parents are "strongly encouraged" to review their immunization status of their children ahead of the upcoming school year.
Earlier this year, Newfoundland and Alberta also saw whooping cough cases surge, with both provinces reporting dozens of cases. Given the escalating situation nationwide, here's a guide on whooping cough, its symptoms and how to protect yourself and your children.
What is whooping cough — and is it contagious?
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the airways and lungs, according to Alberta Health Services. It was initially called the 100-day cough, since people with the disease may be coughing for months.
Known medically as pertussis, it's a disease that spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or coming into contact with someone who is infected. It's possible to contract whooping cough if you touch your eyes or face after touching objects that someone who is already infected touched, such as toys. Moreover, the bacteria can survive on dry surfaces for two to six days.
The disease occurs year-round and causes serious coughing fits, often causing intense sounds that may force someone to sound like they're "whooping" in between breaths.
Why are whooping cough cases rising now?
Public health officials indicate whooping cough is a cyclical disease that rises every two to five or six years. Toronto Public Health associate medical officer of health Dr. Allison Chris explains "we're currently in one of those cyclical increases."
Léger adds New Brunswick hasn't seen a whooping cough outbreak in more than 10 years, noting the province is "certainly overdue" for a spike in cases. He shares he expects the current case count will likely get worse before it tapers off.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough? How can I tell if my child has it?
Before a child has serious coughing fits, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) notes whooping cough symptoms typically start with a mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes and a cough. These initial symptoms may begin seven to 10 days after being infected with the bacteria, but might also appear up to 28 days after infection.
Symptoms may be less severe for older children and adults, and might seem like common cold symptoms with a cough that lasts longer than a week. In infants, symptoms may include a cough, feeding poorly, difficulty breathing and choking after coughing.
Is whooping cough deadly?
The coughing fits from pertussis may lead to difficulty breathing, choking and vomiting. Moreover, rare cases of whooping cough could lead to seizures, brain injury or even death, Alberta Health Services indicates. One to four deaths in Canada each year are related to pertussis, which are often babies who are too young to be immunized or children who weren't vaccinated.
For babies who have whooping cough, complications include vomiting after coughing, weight loss, pneumonia, convulsions and brain damage.
Who is at risk of whooping cough?
Between 1,000 and 3,000 people get sick with whooping cough each year in Canada, according to the federal public health agency. Across the world, there are roughly 20 to 40 million cases as well as 400,000 deaths each year due to the disease.
Whooping cough mostly affects babies who are too young to be vaccinated, or children between ages 11 and 18 who have waning immunization or none at all. The PHAC indicates the disease is most dangerous for babies under the age of one, especially if they're unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.
How is whooping cough treated?
Whooping cough can only be diagnosed by a health-care professional who will use laboratory results and assess symptoms. If you re not being treated, it's recommended to avoid all contact with other people. You should stay isolated for three weeks after your cough began, or until your cough ends.
If you're being treated, you will likely be taking antibiotics. If prescribed, they must be taken as directed. You should stay away from children and babies until completing five days of treatment with antibiotics.
Whooping cough vaccine
The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated against the disease, which Alberta Health Services says is "safe and effective at preventing severe illness." For pregnant people, a Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is recommended, which helps protect mothers and their babies, particularly during the first few months of their life.
Vaccines are then given in a four-dose series at two, four, six and, usually, 18 months of age. That's followed by a booster dose around the age a child enters school (roughly ages four to six), and then another booster around the ages of 14 and 16. Some provinces cover the cost of vaccination in adults older than age 18.
Moreover, you can prevent the spread of whooping cough by practicing regular hand washing, staying home when sick, covering your mouth when coughing, avoiding sharing food, drinks or cutlery as well as seeking early professional treatment when necessary.
What should I do if I think my child has whooping cough?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says if you think you or your child has whooping cough, it's best to see a doctor. Usually if your child is older, the course of recovery will take place at home. On top of taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed, there are few things parents can do to help alleviate the symptoms of whooping cough and manage its spread:
Avoid taking cough medicine unless recommended by a health care provider
Keep your home free of irritants, such as dust, smoke and chemical fumes
Use a clean, cool mist humidifier
Properly wash hands often with soap and water
Eat small meals every few hours to prevent vomiting
Consume plenty of fluids
The CDC also recommends you immediately notify your doctor of any signs of dehydration, which may include dry mouth, sleepiness, thirst, decreased urination, few tears while crying, muscle weakness, headache or lightheadedness.
When should I go to the hospital with whooping cough?
If symptoms become serious, then a person with whooping cough will need to be hospitalized. Many babies with whooping cough will also need hospital treatment, and hospitalization is almost always needed for babies under six months of age.
The McGill University Health Centre recommends going to the hospital if your child has whooping cough and the following occurs:
Develops a blue colour to their skin, particularly around the fingertips and mouth
Stops breathing, even for an instant
Has a high fever or seizures
Vomits often or becomes dehydrated
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