Whooping cough outbreak declared over

A nearly 7 week whooping cough outbreak in West Nipissing is now over.

That’s the word from the Health Unit who says there were 17 confirmed cases since the outbreak started June 20th.

They ranged in age from 8 to 46 years and none of the cases were hospitalized.

Four immunization clinics were also held with 272 people vaccinated.

Officials say the best way to protect against whooping cough is by getting immunized.

In a release, Executive Director of Clinical Services, Chief Nursing Officer Cathy Menzies-Boulé says, “We thank all the school boards, child care centres, community groups, and physicians who worked collaboratively with us during the outbreak. Although it has been declared over, it remains important to keep your immunizations up to date, and seek medical attention if you think you or your child may have whooping cough.”