Whooping cough outbreak sees confirmed cases rise to 47 in Southeast NB

MONCTON – There are now 47 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, reported in the province, New Brunswick Public Health confirmed Thursday.

Dr. Yves Leger, the regional medical officer of health, said all of the cases have been in the southeast region, with most reported in the Greater Moncton area.

Dr. Leger told reporters that most of the cases have been in children and adolescents who were vaccinated.

He said they have no confirmed cases in infants.

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“We have heard through some media outlets that there was a case (of an infant) that was hospitalized and we’ve asked for that parent to get in touch with us,” he said, adding they’ve reminded physicians that they have an obligation to report any suspect or confirmed cases under the public health act.

READ MORE: Outbreak of whooping cough hits Moncton area, 31 cases confirmed

Dr. Leger said that the number of cases reported in October seems to be about the same as the number in September.

“I’m hopeful that that might indicate that we’re reaching the peak of pertussis activity in this region,” he said. “And that in the coming weeks and months, things will start to die down.”

He said it’s still very important for everyone to check their vaccine status, especially those who are will be in close contact with newborns and infants or pregnant women. Women in their third trimester are urged to get the vaccine.

Dr. Leger said public health received a new shipment of 12,000 vaccines on Tuesday. He said this should “easily be able to meet our demands, both for routine immunization as well as increased demand that we’re seeing because of this outbreak.”