Pertussis (whooping cough) exposure risk at Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is notifying the public of a pertussis exposure risk at the Emergency Department of Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert, resulting from a confirmed case. Individuals who were at this location during the following time period should monitor themselves closely for pertussis symptoms up to 20 days (until May 9, 2026):
- Victoria Hospital Emergency Department (April 19, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the respiratory (breathing) system. Anyone can get pertussis, but the disease is most severe in children less than one year when it can be fatal. This disease is also severe in pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy as it can be passed to the newborn with the potential to cause severe complications and death.
The germ is spread very easily by infected people when they cough, sneeze or have close contact with others. Pertussis can easily spread from person to person, especially among people of the same household, school or daycare.
Early symptoms of pertussis are sneezing, runny nose, a fever and a cough. Over time, the cough gets worse, leading to severe coughing spells with a whooping sound before the next breath and often ends in vomiting. The cough can last up to 2 months and can make it very hard to breathe. Young infants may not have these exact symptoms, and a parent or caregiver may not realize how sick their baby really is. Adolescents and adults may experience milder symptoms. Once a person has had pertussis, they do not develop life-long protection and may get the disease again.
Pertussis can be prevented by a vaccine given in childhood and in grade 8. To protect infants, especially those below the age of 6 months, we also provide the vaccine to caregivers of young infants, including daycare workers. The vaccine is also recommended for all pregnant women at or after 27 weeks of pregnancy.
Routine immunization provides protection against pertussis. Contact your local public health office for information on vaccination or visit www.saskatchewan.ca to learn more.
