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Back to SearchOttawa, Ont., Sept. 11, 2024 — Cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, are on the rise in Canada and at CHEO.
So far in 2024, CHEO has seen 90 children with whooping cough compared to just six for all of 2023.
Whooping cough is among a group of vaccine preventable diseases that has recently resurfaced and continues to circulate in our community.
Whooping cough usually begins with cold-like symptoms. It can evolve over weeks to include coughing spells that often end with a "whoop" sound when an infected person tries to catch their breath.
CHEO medical experts urge parents and caregivers to keep up to date with routine vaccinations, which are proven to protect against further spread. Routine vaccines are especially important for pregnant women to protect their newborns before they can be immunized, and for infants in the first year of life when they remain most at risk of severe infection.
For anyone who may not have access to a regular health-care provider, vaccine clinics are being held as part of the Kids Come First Vaccinate and Up-To-Date campaign. Appointments are available here.
If you suspect your child has whooping cough, it is recommended that you wear masks, wash your hands, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze to prevent further spread. If your child has breathing difficulties or can’t take in enough fluid, they should go to the nearest Emergency Department.
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About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.