Whooping cough outbreak jumps to 47 cases

The number of confirmed cases of whooping cough has grown by 11 in the last week, bringing the total to 47 in New Brunswick.

• At least one infant case of whooping cough in Moncton outbreak

• Whooping cough outbreak hits Moncton​

• ​Whooping cough outbreak growing with 7 new cases

Dr. Yves Léger, the medical officer of health in the eastern region, released the updated numbers on the whooping cough outbreak on Thursday morning. 

He said most of the whooping cough, or pertussis, cases are in the greater Moncton area

"The profile of the cases we've seen in the last week remains really similar to what we've seen so far in this outbreak," said Léger. 

"Most cases have been in children and adolescents. Most cases for which we have vaccine information indicates that they are up to date with their pertussis vaccine."

Léger said with this outbreak, public health has been closely monitoring its supply of the vaccines due to an increase in demand.

"We've received a large shipment on Tuesday which will be more than enough to meet both our routine and outbreak needs," said Léger.

Approximately 12,000 doses of whooping cough vaccine were delivered in that shipment.

"We know that it's not a vaccine that is 100 per cent effective. Hopefully with time, we'll get a better vaccine," said Léger.

While confirmed cases have been reported among people who have been vaccinated, Léger said that likely has to do with a decreased effectiveness.

He said this can happen as people get closer to the time when they are due for their next whooping cough booster shot. 

Léger said the number of confirmed cases in October is similar to the number of confirmed cases in September.

"I'm hopeful that means we are reaching the peak of pertussis activity in this region and that in the coming weeks and months things will die down," said Léger.

Those people how are at the highest risk for complications from whooping cough include, pregnant women in their third trimester, people in close contact with infants and newborns and infants due for their first dose of whooping cough vaccine.

Whooping cough symptoms include excessive coughing, difficulty breathing and vomiting.