A new advisory alert issued by the Sudbury health unit said pertussis infections (whooping cough) continue to rise in the local health service area.
The alert was issued on Friday and signed off by acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji.
"Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) continues to see a high incidence of pertussis infections and community exposures within our service area, in keeping with the current global outbreak of pertussis," said the alert which was distributed to local doctors, nurse practitioners and health care facilities in recent days.
"We are reminding health care providers of the importance of active screening and testing to prevent disease transmission and outbreaks. Information on the clinical assessment of pertussis and immunization was shared in an Advisory Alert on July 18, 2024. Immunization remains important for the prevention of illness," the warning continued.
It was in September that PHSD sent an email to parents of students at Redwood Acres Public School in Hanmer warning that at least one infection had been linked to the school. Several other cases were reported in other parts of Sudbury.
The newest alert said, "Pertussis can initially mirror a mild respiratory infection. It is only sometimes 2-3 weeks into the disease course that classic symptoms such as an inspiratory whoop, gagging or vomiting present. When assessing patients for pertussis, particularly those with mild symptoms, patient risk factors should be considered such as immunization status, travel history, and exposure to other infected persons."
The alert further advised that health-care providers who suspect their patients may have pertussis should test their patients and request them to isolate themselves while waiting for results
"If pertussis is suspected based on symptoms and/or exposure, please follow testing requirements in the Public Health Ontario Laboratory Test Information Index, and request that patients isolate until results are received. Always test before you treat," said the health warning.
The health unit advisory also said that all cases of pertussis are reportable, meaning that all physicians and nurse practitioners must provide confidential details to the health unit.
