What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?

There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.

There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years.

While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, here's what you need to know about the contagious disease.

Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is a highly contagious infection caused by the bacteria bordetella pertussis that affects the airways and lungs. It used to be called the "100-day cough" as symptoms can last for months if left untreated.

Whooping cough causes intense coughing fits that can even lead to choking or vomiting. Coughing can be so violent, that a "whooping" sound can be heard when someone tries to catch their breath. Initial symptoms can appear seven to 10 days after infection and may include mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes and a cough.

Whooping cough is directly spread through close contact with an infected person. The bacteria that causes it is able to live on dry objects for two to six days, although indirect spread is rarer.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), whooping cough is a cyclical disease, meaning reported case counts vary significantly by year, averaging between 500 and 4,500 annually in Canada and 20 to 40 million cases globally. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says large outbreaks occur every three to five years.