A case of the whooping cough has been discovered in the West Nipissing area.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has confirmed the outbreak.This can be spread through the air by someone who is infected. The cough can last several weeks according to the Health Unit.
They add it could become more frequent and sever after the first couple of weeks. This is also when it is most contagious.
The health unit says the best way to protect yourself against the cough is by getting vaccinated.
There will be an immunization clinic on Thursday in the Hall of Fame room at the Sturgeon Falls Sports Complex from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
The Health Unit says people who are not immunized will have an increased risk of developing the disease. As well, they say adults and older children who are around infants should be getting the vaccine.
The health unit says anyone can get this virus, but it is most dangerous for children under a year old and pregnant women in their third trimester.
If you do contract the whooping cough you are asked to contact your health care provider immediately. Some of the signs included violent coughing which ends in gagging, vomiting or trouble breathing.
Visit www.myhealthunit.ca for more information and to see a fact sheet.