Maskwacis has declared a whooping cough outbreak.
The Nation said Friday it comes amid a higher number of cases than usual.
Whooping cough can occur at any age, but Public Health said it is very serious in babies and young children, especially for those too young to be fully immunized.
The disease begins with cold-like symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and mild cough, and worsens over a period of several weeks to include serious coughing spells that often end with a “whoop” or high-pitched sound.
It is easily transmitted from person to person, mainly through droplets from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person.
Whooping cough is diagnosed based on symptoms and lab tests and is treated with an antibiotic. Treatment can reduce the spread of infection and duration of illness if given early.
Community members can call 780-585-2266 to speak to a community health nurse.
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