Whooping cough epidemic hits 250 in Hobbema

Page 1

The Samson Band has closed its schools because of a whooping cough epidemic that has hit 250 Hobbema residents.

One day care, a kindergarten facility and a private school have closed in order for parents to have their children immunized and treated, said Samson Band Councilor Larron Northwest last week.

On Jan. 18 the Hobbema Health Center staff had 100 children diagnosed with whooping cough.

When Samson Chief Victor Buffalo found out about the epidemic proportions, a public health meeting was held to inform the band members.

On Jan. 30 the caseload at the health center had soared to 250.

Over half of the whooping cough patients are under 10 years of age, said Dr. Richard Mustoe, a federal medical services branch official.

Had parents maintained proper immunization schedules, the number of cases wouldn't be as high, he said.

But immunization is unpopular with parents because it has to be done regularly and it causes swelling and pain for the children, he explained.

It's spreading fast and the numbers will increase before it tapers off, said Mustoe.

Last week Chief Buffalo decided to close the day care, kindergarten and private school for the parents to get their children immunized and treated.

The schools and day care will reopen next week, said Northwest.

But closing the schools may not be the wisest move, said Mustoe.

"We have been suggesting to the principals to keep the schools open. If you close the school, then the children will pass it on throughout the rest of the community. If the schools were to remain open, the teachers and staff could identify cases and inform parents to have kids treated," said Dr. Mustoe.

Whooping cough symptoms are similar to the flu. They include a runny nose, a nagging cough, white mucus in the back of the throat and shortness of breath. Anyone with these symptoms is advised to see their doctor.

The virus has been spreading throughout the rest of the province, but Native communities seem to be hardest hit.

Wabasca, Atikameg and Driftpile have also fought the whooping cough epidemic. Immunization is the best prevention but antibiotics are available for treatment, said Mustoe.

Alberta had about 650 cases of whooping cough in 1989, up from 149 in 1988. In 1984, there were only 33 reported cases.

Whooping cough is regarded as a dangerous illness, particularly in babies who have not been immunized. It can cause brain damage and may be fatal.