Whooping cough cases more than double pre-pandemic average: TPH

Toronto

Toronto Public Health says the number of whooping cough cases are more than double the pre-pandemic average.

99 cases reported in Toronto so far this year compared to pre-pandemic 5-year average of 38, agency says

A child coughs while covering their mouth with their hand
Toronto Public Health says 41 per cent of whooping cough cases are found in 10 to 14-year-olds. (Camelialy/Shutterstock)

Toronto Public Health says the number of whooping cough cases in Toronto are more than double the pre-pandemic average.

The public health agency is reporting 99 cases so far this year compared to the pre-pandemic five-year average of 38.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a cyclical disease that occasionally increases every two to six years in Ontario.

It is a highly-contagious, persistent cough that’s of most concern for infants. Toronto Public Health (TPH) says 41 per cent of cases are found in 10 to 14-year-olds.

Last week, New Brunswick health officials said a whooping cough outbreak had spread across the province, pointing to 141 reported cases so far this year.

That well-exceeded the province’s annual average of 34 cases.

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