Health unit warns of possible whooping cough exposure at Leamington clinic

Whooping cough, conceptual illustration. Whooping cough is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. (Kateryna Kon / Science Photo Library via Getty)

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is warning residents about a potential exposure to pertussis, or whooping cough, after confirming a case in the community.

Public health officials say anyone who visited the Central Erie Shores Walk-In Clinic in Leamington during specific times earlier this month may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days.

The clinic, located at 33 Princess St., was identified as an exposure site on June 6 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and again on June 9 between 1:20 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and throat. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or has close contact with others.

Early symptoms can resemble a common cold, including a runny or congested nose, sneezing, mild fever and a mild cough. After one to two weeks, symptoms can worsen and include severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, a distinctive “whooping” sound when inhaling, and vomiting after coughing.

The health unit is urging anyone who may have been exposed and begins to develop symptoms to contact their health-care provider before attending in person. Officials say this is particularly important for people who are pregnant, have infants at home or are in close contact with vulnerable individuals.