The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is reporting an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the West Nipissing area.
In response, a couple of vaccination clinics are being held:
- Wednesday, June 5 from 4-7 pm West Nipissing General Hospital, Main Entrance (725 Coursol Rd, Sturgeon Falls,)
- Thursday, June 6 from 4-6 pm River Valley Golden Age Centre (16 Jacques St, River Valley)
Officials say whooping cough can spread to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes and it is spread more easily in enclosed areas, and when standing within three feet of someone who has the illness.
They also say because of the rise in cases, residents in the West Nipissing area should monitor for symptoms.
Early symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, low fever, and mild cough that gets worse over two weeks, often ending in a whooping sound.
