Vancouver Island hit by spike in whooping cough cases

There was a sharp rise in whooping cough cases on Vancouver Island this year and health officials say travel over the holiday season could make the situation worse.

Island health said there were more than 300 cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, reported in 2015. That compares with about 80 cases last year. 

"This is the highest year for pertussis that we have seen in the last few years, said Dr. Paul Hasselback, the medical health officer for the central Island.

The most recent cluster of cases was in Tofino, but people of varying ages across Vancouver Island were affected this year, said Hasselback.

"While it is a real annoyance for adults and students ... it can be quite tragic when we talk about pertussis for young infants," he said.

Several other communities in B.C and across the country, have also dealt with outbreaks but lower than average vaccination rates on Vancouver Island have been a concern. 

People are being encouraged to check their records to make sure they are protected.

Cases could rise again in the coming weeks because travel over the holidays provides the perfect vehicle for the highly contagious bug, Hasselback said.

"People who are sick still come, and they travel, and they bring with them those wonderful gifts, but they also bring with them the bugs, and they are quite willing to share the bugs," he said. 

Whooping cough has similar symptoms to the cold virus, but the associated cough and wheezing can persist for weeks.