Quebec cases of whooping cough, COVID-19 on the rise

Infections are on the rise in Quebec, just as back-to-school season is here.

According to Quebec public health director Luc Boileau, there are more than 13,000 cases of whooping cough compared to the beginning of the year.

There have also been 90 hospitalizations this year.

A majority of the cases have been reported within babies younger than three months old.

The illness appears as a cold at first, with a runny nose, fever, sore throat before progressing into uncomfortable coughing fits (pertussis).

Health experts say that the best way to prevent whooping couch is by getting vaccinated.

COVID-19

Cases of COVID-19 have been surging in Quebec since May, with the positivity rate standing at 21.2 per cent within the first week of September.

Hospitalizations have increased by 27 per cent, with people aged 70 and over being the most affected.

According to the data, as of Sept. 4, there were 1,465 hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Also, 40 per cent of the hospitals and a quarter of CHSLDs are experiencing outbreaks.

Measles

Public Health says there have been 53 cases of measles between January and the end of July – but no “active cases” at present.

The outbreak from the spring is now behind us.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect against this disease, which manifests itself in fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and skin rashes.