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Montreal public health officials are warning parents about a rise in whooping cough cases in schools.
Montreal's public health director, Mylene Drouin, said in a memo sent to parents this week that cases have been identified in elementary and high schools.
“This highly contagious infection may persist for weeks to months,” Drouin wrote, noting that babies under the age of 1 were at particular risk.
According to the memo, whooping cough lasts six to 10 weeks and progresses in stages: Early symptoms include a runny nose and cough, but as the disease progresses, it can develop into a severe cough that can lead to vomiting, nausea and difficulty breathing.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough, Drouin wrote.
“The vaccine reduces the severity of symptoms and complications,” the advisory reads, “so we strongly encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
The vaccine is free and can be booked through the Clic-Santé portal.
According to Quebec Health, whooping cough cases typically peak every four years. The province's last major outbreak was in 2019, when 1,259 cases were confirmed.
Anyone with a child who is experiencing coughing symptoms should contact 811 or consult a medical professional.
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