Whooping cough outbreak confirmed in Cumberland County

Nova Scotia health officials have confirmed an outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough in Cumberland County.

"To date we've only had three or four lab considered cases," said Ann Keddy, a spokesperson for the Cumberland Health Authority. "Our message is to the community is to be wary."

The whooping cough infection leads to a dry, rough cough in adults, and can be fatal in babies and children.

The infection is easily spread from person to person.

New Brunswick health officials are currently dealing with a significant outbreak of whooping cough, with 370 cases reported as of last month. The cases are concentrated in Moncton and to the Nova Scotia border.

The province began a vaccination campaign in May when the outbreak was first discovered. Thousands of students in Moncton and Saint John were given shots, and New Brunswick intends to vaccinate children in more communities when school starts up again in the fall.

Meanwhile, the individuals affected in Nova Scotia are receiving treatment.

Public Health officials in Nova Scotia are asking anyone with symptoms of whooping cough to contact a medical expert.

"Immunization is the big thing, we really want people to be immunized. It's easy, it's free, and you can access that immunization through your physician, a nurse practioner, or at public health," said Keddy.