Interior Health warns pertussis cases rising ahead of summer
Whooping cough spreading as travel and camps resume; vaccination remains most effective protection.
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Interior Health is warning residents to stay vigilant against pertussis—whooping cough—as cases of the highly contagious respiratory infection climb across the region ahead of summer travel and gatherings.
Infections have risen in recent weeks and are expected to accelerate through the summer as camps, travel, and large gatherings create more transmission opportunities. Pertussis spreads through coughing and sneezing, often before infected people realize they're sick.
The illness typically starts like a cold: runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and mild cough. After one to two weeks, the cough becomes severe and can persist for several weeks. Some people experience intense coughing fits that make breathing difficult and may cause vomiting.
Infants under one year face the greatest risk and can develop serious complications requiring hospitalization. Most babies who contracted pertussis in 2025 required hospital care. Most cases occur among children and youth who are not fully immunized.
Health officials are urging residents to ensure vaccinations are current and remind pregnant women to receive the vaccine during pregnancy to protect newborns before they're old enough for their own immunizations. Pertussis vaccines are available free through B.C.'s routine childhood immunization schedule.
Anyone developing a worsening cough lasting more than a week should contact a health-care provider or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.