Ontario Community Newspapers

Whitby Free Press, 28 Sep 1994, p. 4

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Page 4, Wlitj> Free Prèss, Wedfesday, Sperbr2,1~ Whooping-coug on the rise in region. At least six children, including one from Whitby, have been hospitalized. with pertussis (whooping cough) acroes Durham Region. The health department has been tracking the pertussis outbreak since late August. Whoingcuhi a bacterial infectonof the respiratory tract that starta like a cold. The cough, however, lasts for more than two weeks. A coughing speil is often followed by vomiting, breath-holding (apnea) or an inhaled breath ('whoop"). Whooping cough is very contagious, the bacteria spread from person te person through coughing, sneezing and talking. ChIldren, especially babies, are at high risk. Pertussis vaccine maltes the iliness milder, it does flot prevent one from getting or spreading the disease. Antibiotics usually cannot be gi'ven early enough >te, lessen the cugh or other symptems, but antibiotics are very good at killing the bacteria so they do flot spread te others. Untreated pertussis can be spread for up te three weeks, but treated pertussis is contagious*for o days. 10 I l days of antibiotic (erythromycin) are needed to ensure the bacteria is cornpletely killed, and that resistance to the antibiotie dees net develop. Canadian pertussis rates are consistently higher than in the U.S., * uggosting that stricker control inea- ures are. required. The pertùssis vaccine protects against severe disease and complications like pneumonia and brain damage. Despite the vaccine?às proven benefit, pertussis vaccination rates are lower than that of other common childhood immunization rates. The health departmnent is encouraging parents whose child has a prolonged cough, vomits or holds hislher breath after coughing te see their family physician right away. Children under age 7 should be fully vaccinated against whooping cough. Adults 'and children, especially babies and toddlers, who have had contact with children with whooping cough- should see their doctor for antibiotics. For more information about pertussis, contact the department at (905) 723-8521 or (905) 686-2740 (Toronto line). Off PRODUCEI AReg. Except Apples 00/0Pr~ed Pears i i.. - V - - -Offer ExpiresOctober, 2/94. ONTMO Apple IVlAarkeat 4425 Thickson Rd. N,. Whitby 655-4130 + Family Fun U p àst.raw maze : lc= cshelter 1uxtridge 21 1 g 1Neeider *aias 1 é pumpklns Çiiak Lake R oedLioeSwuo 10 A. VA. s IE Walthy Sept. 5 to Sept. 15 Ctarmanet Mihbum M Mclntasb Sept. il to Oct. 3 Seartan Sept. 16 ta sept. 30 Cartland Sept. 16 ta Oct. 3 êS iiwsy Brod* Empire Sept. 18 ta Oct, Il Red Deilius Oct. 8 ta Oct. 20 Golden Deliclous Oct. 8 ta Oct. 20 1'Idared Oct. 10 ta Oct. 24 Golden Russet Oct. 10 ta Oct. 24 A oog insMi 1b Northern Spy Oct. 15 ta Oct. 30 4kmoestof1iakdcRd.ooiChalk-iakcRd. OR3 kmnwcstof Hw 12 on ScuggUne 2 Cail 905-,985-2096 for information 'ibis coupon lu redeenable for 10% DSCOUNT on apple product purchase prior to Ocobr 31, 1994. Nul lo be comblned wllh titis or olcr speciaioferi. op Naine vaIcUeesi Address_______________ s ~~~~ ~~Code __________ Phone i i OW TO Ai:,EINTE!R@ Environmentalists Start Here The Makings of aPerfect Escape Ail thse comforts of a motor home. Ail the ease and efficiency of driving a van. Discover why Roadt.rek is the best selling North Americani camper van. Roadtrek- be Motor Home That..., lirivesLileaVanr-I by SHOME & PA RK' Mi--3O TOR HOMES OWASCO RECREATIONAL VEI-ICLES Pro yen ta serve you BEST since 1972. An "I CARE" and CAA award wînner. 1425 Dundas 1ýt. East, Whitby- J-îýAc 686-6410

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