Cases of the whooping cough have been more common this year. Saskatchewan had an outbreak earlier this year, with around 200 cases of whooping cough reported. Parts of Southern Alberta have also reported cases of the cough, with an outbreak declared at the start of this month.

The Health Region is again recommending people to take a few precautions and get immunized to prevent contracting the cough.

Dr. Torr
Dr. TorrDr. Torr with the Cypress Health Region said the bacteria that causes the cough is always lingering, "It's one bacterium that has persisted so that's why we keep emphasizing to keep up to date with your immunizations... It's a very opportunistic infection, once there's an area where there's a bit of slack on immunization. Then you start suddenly seeing cases."

"We are always getting cases. We had some cases in our own region some months back. There's a small outbreak that was just declared just South of us."

While immunization is key to prevent contraction, Dr. Torr notes that anyone can get even a mild case, "Even people who are immunized could get exposed and have a milder infection. It does linger in the communities. It does show itself or manifest more in places where people aren't totally up to date with their immunizations."

"It can be a serious illness but these days that has been reduced because a lot of people are immunized."

The tell tale sign of a whooping cough is a 'whoop' sound in the cough. Dr. Torr further explained, "A person will cough continuously and then take a deep breath that sounds like a 'whoop'. Another characteristic is that it does take a long time, especially if it's not treated or you don't have your vaccinations, it can last for many days."

Those who have contracted the whooping cough are generally prescribed antibiotics and should stay home. Those more prone to severe effects of the illness are small children under 1 year old and pregnant women.

"Any time someone has a cough, it is very good to maintaining good cough etiquette so you don't spread whatever it is you have whether it's whooping cough or something else." If the cough is serious, Dr. Torr said medical attention could be needed, "If it's a pretty significant cough, it is important to stay at home to recover. It is really bad, make sure to check with your practitioner."

Good cough etiquette includes covering your mouth while coughing. Hands should be washed with soapy water after coughing, sneezing, or using tissues.