Case of Whooping Cough Identified at Conception Bay South Pool

A case of whooping cough has been identified at the CBS pool.

The town says the case was identified at the lane and leisure swim sessions between June 15 and 26.

Anyone present in the pool or the women’s change room during those sessions is considered a close contact.

A letter from NL Health Services indicates that babies under one year old and pregnant women in their third trimester are considered high risk contacts. In those cases, their health care provider or 811 should be contacted.

Additionally, a testing clinic is available at 50 Mundy Pond Road for those experiencing symptoms and who are considered a close contact.

(Photo courtesy Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Symptoms usually develop within 5 to 10 days after coming into contact, but can sometimes take up to three weeks.

Symptoms include a cough or flu-like symptoms that worsen over a couple of weeks. It can include coughing fits followed by a “whooping” noise, vomiting, turning blue or the inability to catch one’s breath.

Antibiotics are available as a treatment. People diagnosed with whooping cough should not return to school or work and should avoid public gatherings, infants, and pregnant women for five days after starting antibiotics.

Vaccines protecting against whooping cough are part of the routine childhood immunization program. A booster is recommended for adults, especially pregnant women.