Officials are concerned about whooping cough in Thunder Bay, as the city’s health unit has reported four confirmed cases of the contagious bacterial disease over the last month.

Symptoms of whooping cough or pertussis

Symptoms of whooping cough -- also called pertussis -- are initially mild but can become severe.

Severe symptoms include violent coughing fits. Infants with pertussis are at a greater risk of serious complications which include pneumonia, brain damage and seizures.

The city hasn't seen many cases of whooping cough for a number of years, said Darlene Binnette, Thunder Bay and District Health Unit’s manager of infectious disease programs. She said it’s significant because the disease is infectious with pretty severe symptoms.

“There's extreme coughing that could make it difficult to eat, drink or breathe,” she said.

“And you know, in terms of a young child or infant, it could actually cause them to stop breathing or vomit.”

Binette said the health unit is urging people to ensure they and their children have had their pertussis immunization or booster — particularly those between the ages of 19 and 64.

Those unsure if they are fully immunized can speak with a public health nurse by calling the Health Unit at 625-5971 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630, ext. 5971.