windsor-essex health unit issues warning after whooping cough outbreak
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the windsor-essex county health unit's ouellette avenue office is shown on thursday, feb. 5, 2026.
taylor campbell
/
windsor star
the local health unit is warning residents of potential exposure to the highly contagious whooping cough following a cluster of confirmed cases.
the windsor-essex county health unit (wechu) also urged people this week to get vaccinated after confirming five community cases in june, with possible exposure locations in kingsville and ruthven.
the warning follows the announcement last month of another case in leamington.
“the wechu continues to investigate this cluster of cases and is working closely with affected individuals and community partners to identify contacts, reduce transmission, and protect those at greatest risk of severe disease,” the agency said in a media release. “additional exposure locations may be identified as the investigation continues.”
also called pertussis, whooping cough is an extremely contagious bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and throat. it easily spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or has close contact with others. babies are most at risk.
the health unit said there were two exposure locations in kingsville, including the erie migration elementary from june 8 to june 25 and the tmc urgent care walk-in clinic between 9:06 a.m. and 11:01 a.m. on june 3.
the third location was word of life community church in ruthven on june 21.
the health unit issued a separate warning last week about a confirmed case in leamington. in that case, there was a potential exposure at the central erie shores walk-in clinic on june 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and june 9 between 1:20 p.m. and 5 p.m.
the health unit is asking anyone who visited those places on the specified dates and times to monitor for symptoms of pertussis, which can take up to 21 days to develop.
early symptoms can seem like a cold, such as a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, mild fever, and a mild cough. the cough can worsen after one or two weeks.
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as the infection increases, the health unit said it can cause strong coughing fits, trouble breathing, vomiting after coughing, or a “whoop” sound when breathing in.
babies under one year old are most at risk for serious illness. the health unit said pregnant people, families with young babies, and anyone who is often around babies should watch closely for symptoms after a possible exposure.
teens and adults may have milder symptoms, but they can still spread the illness to others.
health officials are asking people who show symptoms after a possible exposure to stay home if possible. to protect other patients and healthcare workers, officials said people should call ahead before going to a clinic or healthcare site.
the health unit also stressed vaccination is the best way to protect against pertussis.
“the wechu strongly encourages everyone to make sure they and their family members are up to date with their vaccines. residents can get vaccinated by contacting their family doctor or nurse practitioner.”
for more information about pertussis, visit wechu.org or call the health unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420.
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