Whooping cough hits under-immunized community in southern Bruce County

Health officials in western Ontario's Bruce County say an outbreak of whooping cough, also known as pertussis,is primarily affecting a small farming community.

They say parents with cottages or children attending camp in the area don't need to worry.

There have been 39 cases of the infection reportedin the county.

The outbreak is primarily within an under-immunized population. Hazel Lynn, from Grey Bruce Health, said the populations affected arethe Old Order Amish and Mennonite community within the Huron and Grey Bruce County area.

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Health officials in bordering northern Huron County say they've alsoseen a significant number of cases.

Due to a lack of technology use in those communities, they have started a communication system through church organizations.

Lynn said it's unlikely anyone outside this community will be affected by the outbreak. She said they are working with the community to isolate the outbreak and are holding weekly clinics in the area.

The respiratory infection is easily spread through coughing and sneezing and can cause a severe cough marked by that telltale high-pitched whooping sound.