With an increase in Bordetella pertussis throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Nunatsiavut Government’s Department of Health and Social Development (DHSD) is urging residents of Nunatsiavut to help stop the spread.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It is spread easily through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing by infected people. Symptoms usually develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but sometimes do not develop for as long as three weeks. Whooping cough typically begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough that worsens over one to two weeks. Coughing may occur in fits followed by a “whooping” noise, vomiting, cyanosis (turning blue) or the inability to catch one’s breath. Coughing may be worse at night and can last one to six weeks.

To continue reading, please download: Public Notice – Bordetella pertussis