Whooping cough outbreak growing with 7 new cases

The number of cases ofwhooping cough is on the rise.

A news conference this morning, Dr. Yves Lger,the district medical officer of health for the Monctonregion,saidthere are now36 confirmed cases, up from 29. Most are in the Moncton area.

• Whooping cough outbreak in Moncton

Adolescents make up the largest group of those afflicted, in addition to a few adults. Noinfants have been affected.

Lger said most of those affectedwere up to date on their vaccine status. There have been no hospitalizations.

He said Public Health is continuing to increase vaccination efforts, with a focus on pregnant women, and those in close contact withinfants.

Vaccinations are also continuing at schools.

"The vaccine isn't perfect, but one of the best measures we have," said Lger.

Public Health is asking people tocheck theirvaccination records. There is a booster program underway for Grade 7students, which should becompleted in early November.

Whooping cough symptoms include excessive coughing, difficultybreathing and vomiting.

Whooping cough outbreaks are common every three to five years. The last outbreak in New Brunswick was in 2012 when 1,400 cases were reported.