MEDICAL ADVISORY: Pertussis Cases Continue to Rise in Niagara

Issued by: Dr. Jessica Jackman, MD MPH FRCPC FACPM DipABLM, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Date: October 7, 2024

On August 12, Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services issued a Medical Advisory on pertussis activity in Niagara. Pertussis cases have continued to rise at both a provincial and local level.

Between January and August 2024, there have been 1,016 cases of pertussis reported in Ontario. This is the highest case count observed in Ontario since 2012.
In Niagara, there have been 24 cases of pertussis reported this year. In comparison, from 2019-2023, the average number of cases per year in Niagara was 2.

Actions for Health Care Providers

Consider pertussis in your differential diagnosis, particularly in patients with coughing spells that end in a high-pitched whoop or vomiting, shortness of breath or exhaustion from coughing, or with a cough lasting two weeks or longer
For patients with symptoms consistent with pertussis, collect a NP swab and send for PCR testing for pertussis as soon as possible, within the first three weeks of illness
- Please ensure you have the appropriate collection kit available at your office for testing: Bordetella pertussis Kit (2 Pack) order#: 390052 | Public Health Ontario. This is the only acceptable transport medium for pertussis. To order this kit, complete the Requisition for Specimen Containers and Supplies (see item #390052).
Suspect cases should be placed under droplet precautions, in addition to routine practices. This includes masking of the patient and modifying patient flow to minimize potential exposure to others.
Report suspect and confirmed cases immediately to Public Health. To report, please contact the Infectious Disease Program at:
- 905-688-8248 ext. 7330 or 1-888-505-6074 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- After-hours: 905-984-3690
Ensure patients are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, including pertussis as per Ontario's routine immunization schedule. Use the General Vaccine Order Form if you need to order pertussis vaccines.

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