ATLANTIC

Whooping cough outbreak continues to grow in southeastern N.B.

THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Thursday, October 22, 2015 7:38AM ADT Last Updated Friday, October 23, 2015 9:04AM ADT

A whooping cough outbreak in New Brunswick's Moncton area has doctors concerned for the health of infants and young children in the region, as the often persistent, severe cough can be fatal.

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MONCTON, N.B. -- A New Brunswick medical official says a whooping cough outbreak in the southeastern area of the province continues to grow.

Dr. Yves Leger says there are now 36 confirmed cases, mainly in the Moncton area.

Whooping cough is a contagious disease of the lungs and throat caused by the spread of a certain type of bacteria.

Leger says the outbreak is mainly affecting adolescents, along with a few cases in adults.

He says it's important for people to be vaccinated against whooping cough, even though most of those affected in this outbreak were up to date on their immunizations.

Leger says Public Health is continuing to offer more vaccine clinics, with a focus on pregnant women and those in close contact with infants. (CKHJ)