Public Health is reporting possible exposure to a positive case of whooping cough at the following locations and dates:
• Emergency department of the Grand Falls General Hospital, Monday, June 10 between 7:25 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Emergency department of the Edmundston Regional Hospital, between Saturday June 15 at 7:40 p.m. and Sunday June 16 at 12:10 a.m.
• Emergency department of the Edmundston Regional Hospital, Tuesday, June 18 between 12:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m.
• Emergency department of the Grand Falls General Hospital, between Wednesday June 19 at 11:56 p.m. and Thursday June 20 at 1:15 a.m.
Patients, their companions and healthcare workers who visited these services on the dates indicated are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 21 days after their visit. Pregnant women in the third trimester and children under one year of age are particularly at risk.
If symptoms develop, consult your healthcare provider, 811 or eVisitNB for an assessment indicating potential exposure to a confirmed case of pertussis.
Whooping cough is a disease of the lungs and throat that is easily spread from person to person, primarily through droplets that are released from the nostrils, mouth, and throat of an infected person.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself.
Typically, the infection first manifests itself with the following symptoms:
• mild fever;
• runny nose;
• redness of the eyes, accompanied by tearing;
• cough.
This cough becomes stronger and more frequent after 7 to 14 days.
After a coughing fit, the infected person may, when inhaling, make a noise reminiscent of a rooster crowing. The person may then vomit or stop breathing for a few moments.
