By NewsDesk @bactiman63
An outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) has been declared in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories (NWT) by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.
There are seven confirmed cases in total in Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson.
Residents in Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson should confirm their Pertussis vaccination as soon as possible by contacting their Health Centre.
Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease that affects the lungs and respiratory tract and is particularly dangerous to infants who are less than one year of age.
Residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from pertussis by getting vaccinated. The pertussis-containing vaccine is safe and effective, although immunity from the pertussis vaccine may fade over time. An adolescent booster dose is offered in grade 7 and every 10 years as an adult. Pregnant women should get a pertussis-containing vaccine between 27-32 weeks of their pregnancy, regardless of their last dose. This booster in pregnancy protects the newborn by protecting their mother in pregnancy.
The vaccine is free of charge and is part of the routine NWT Immunization Schedule.
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