N.B. chief medical officer declares whooping cough outbreak for entire province
The acting chief medical officer of health for New Brunswick has declared a whooping cough (Pertussis) outbreak across the entire province.
According to a news release from the provincial government, the outbreak was initially declared solely for the Acadian Peninsula at the end of June.
“We are expanding this outbreak to the entire province due to a higher number of cases of whooping cough than usual in multiple health regions,” said Dr. Yves Léger, acting chief medical officer of health, in the release. “Public Health is monitoring the situation closely and working with health-care professionals, community partners and the public to decrease the risk.”
The release says there have been 141 cases of whooping cough in the province so far this year, far exceeding the five-year average of 34 cases annually. Most of the cases were found in the Bathurst and Acadian Peninsula region, but more than half of the new cases in recent weeks came from outside that area.
“The most effective way to reduce the risk of whooping cough is vaccination,” said Léger. “All New Brunswickers, especially expectant parents and anyone in close contact with babies and young children, such as grandparents or caregivers, should ensure that their immunization against whooping cough is up to date.”
Last week Prince Edward Island also declared a provincewide whooping cough outbreak.
Whooping cough is highly contagious and begins with cold-like symptoms before worsening to include serious coughing spells. It transmits from person to person via mouth, nose and throat droplets.
Anyone exhibiting whooping cough symptoms is asked to stay at home and contact their primary health-care provider, call 811 or use eVisitNB for an assessment.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.4822761.1582326806!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
DEVELOPING Kingston, Ont. police investigate triple stabbing
Police in Kingston, Ont. say a standoff is underway between officers and a suspect following a triple stabbing Thursday morning.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattles the Los Angeles area
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the Los Angeles area Thursday morning, unleashing boulders onto a Malibu road, visibly shaking Santa Monica's 1909 wooden pier and jolting some people from bed. No injuries or damages were immediately reported.
BREAKING 3 dead in Lloydminster, Sask., few details available
Three people are dead after an "incident" in Lloydminster, RCMP have confirmed.
Consul general to New York answering questions over $9M luxury condo purchase
After weeks of pressure, Canada's consul general Tom Clark is testifying on Thursday before a House of Commons committee about the purchase of his new official residence in New York that generated a lot of political attention over the summer.
Air Canada pushing for government intervention as clock ticks on labour talks
Air Canada is asking the federal government to be ready to intervene in its labour talks with its pilots as time is running out before a potential shutdown.
Realtor fined by B.C. regulator after property photos digitally altered
A British Columbia Realtor has been fined thousands of dollars after a property listing was found to contain photos that were digitally altered to hide peeling paint and show furnishings that did not exist.
Man charged after multiple child sex dolls seized from home: Winnipeg police
A Winnipeg man has been charged with multiple offences after sex dolls designed to look like children were seized from his home.
OPP constable charged after alleged assault at Santa's Village
A veteran OPP officer is facing an assault charge following an incident at an amusement park in Bracebridge.