A case of whooping cough has been reported in Duncan, making it the second confirmed case on southern Vancouver Island in recent days.
After a laboratory confirmed that a Duncan adult had a case of pertussis, a letter was sent out by Island Health on March 8, agency spokesperson Jennifer Parisi said Sunday.
The letter went to areas where there might have been exposure. People were asked to watch for early signs of whooping cough and to follow up with their health care provider if they have any symptoms.
In that case, “There are no high-risk contacts and no further follow up is required by public health or the communicable disease team so there is no concern there,” she said.
It is not out of the ordinary to have two cases of whooping cough in the region, Parisi said.
Island Health sent another letter out this past week, informing the Mount Douglas Secondary community that a case of whooping cough had been confirmed at the school.
The pertussis bacteria can be spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or cigarettes, and kissing.
Small babies can be especially vulnerable to pertussis, said Parisi, who recommends that vaccination records be checked to ensure everyone is up to date.
Cold-like symptoms appear and the illness can advance to a severe cough with a whooping sound. Gagging and vomiting are also possible. Island Health said symptoms can continue for several weeks.
Antibiotics are used to treat whooping cough.
