FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Windsor-Essex County
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is advising residents of possible public exposures to Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough. This comes after a cluster of five confirmed cases were found in the community in June. Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the lungs and throat. It spreads easily through droplets when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, talks, or has close contact with others. As part of a public health investigation, individuals who may have visited the locations below during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after possible exposure.
Possible Exposure Locations:
- Erie Migration Elementary
- 1620 Jasperson Drive, Kingsville, ON N9Y 4G5
- June 8, 2026 – June 25, 2026
- 1620 Jasperson Drive, Kingsville, ON N9Y 4G5
- TMC Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic
- 273 Main Street East, Kingsville, ON N9Y 1A7
- June 3, 2026
- 9:06 am – 11:01 am
- June 3, 2026
- 273 Main Street East, Kingsville, ON N9Y 1A7
- Word of Life Community Church
- 1771 Talbot Road, Ruthven, ON N9Y 2E5
- June 21, 2026
- 1771 Talbot Road, Ruthven, ON N9Y 2E5
Early symptoms of Pertussis can seem like a cold. They may include a runny, stuffy or congested nose, sneezing, a mild fever, and a mild cough. After one to two weeks, the cough can get worse. It may cause strong coughing fits, trouble breathing, vomiting after coughing, or a “whoop” sound when breathing in. Teens and adults may have milder symptoms, but they can still spread the illness to others.
Babies under one year old are most at risk for serious illness from Pertussis. Pregnant people, families with young babies, and anyone who is often around babies should watch closely for symptoms after a possible exposure. If you have symptoms after a possible exposure, stay home if you can. Call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic or healthcare site. Calling first helps protect other patients and healthcare workers.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against Pertussis. The WECHU strongly encourages everyone to make sure they and their family members are up to date with their vaccines. Residents can get vaccinated by contacting their family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Healthcare providers are reminded to consider Pertussis in patients presenting with prolonged or persistent cough and compatible symptoms. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and timely reporting to public health are essential to limited further spread within the community.
The WECHU continues to investigate this cluster of cases and is working closely with affected individuals and community partners to identify contacts, reduce transmission, and protect those at greatest risk of severe disease. Additional exposure locations may be identified as the investigation continues.
For more information about Pertussis, visit wechu.org or call the WECHU at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420.