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Pertussis Information
What is Pertussis? (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis is a respiratory illness caused by bacteria. Pertussis is spread through the air when infected people cough or sneeze. Common symptoms of Pertussis in very young children include a long series of coughs followed by a “whooping” noise. In older children and adults, however, the illness may begin with an upper respiratory illness that begins with cold like symptoms and an irritating cough that becomes more severe over 1 to 2 weeks.
Treatment:
Pertussis can be controlled with antibiotics. If symptoms present please see your health care provider. Your health care provider will provide appropriate tests to diagnose Pertussis and will treat you accordingly.
Prevention Practices:
Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in the 1940’s Pertussis was a major cause of serious illness and death among very young children and infants. In recent times more and more cases of Pertussis are being reported, partly due to the better awareness of the disease and also due to the natural decline of vaccine immunity. Even as we see more cases it is important to remember that Pertussis has decreased 97% due to the use of vaccine.
Vaccine Information:- Infants and Children: A vaccination called DTaP is recommended for infants to prevent against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. DTaP is shown to be safe and effective in preventing Pertussis, reducing the risk of severe illness that could lead to death among infants and children. It is recommended the children begin the series of immunizations at 2 months of age. Click here to view the recommended DTaP immunization schedule to prevent Pertussis.
- Adolescents and Adults: In recent years there has been an increase in Pertussis among the adolescent and adult age groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the use of the TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) as a booster vaccine for Pertussis. The vaccine will help protect against Pertussis as well as reduce the risk of transmitting Pertussis to infants. The booster is recommended for all adults under the age of 65, healthcare workers who work in hospitals or ambulatory care settings and have direct patient contact, and anyone who is in contact with infants less than 12 months of age.
- The TDaP can be used in place of the Td (Tetanus Diphtheria) booster if it has been at least 5 years since their last Td. This is ideal for teens as they generally come due for their booster around middle school age.
- There are two TDaP vaccines available one is licensed for adolescents 10-18 years of age and one is licensed for individuals 11-64 years of age. The Health Department encourages you to inquire with your health care provider regarding the availability of the vaccine and vaccine requirements.
- Scott County Health Department offers the TdaP to individuals meeting the Vaccine for Children (VFC) requirements and 10 to 18 years of age depending on the brand of vaccine used.
Additional Pertussis Information:
- Iowa Department of Public Health
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/pertussis.asp
Pertussis Home Page - Iowa Department of Public Health
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/idph_universalhelp/main.aspx?system=IdphEpiManual&context=Pertussis_factsheet
Pertussis Fact Sheet - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/dis-faqs.htm
Pertussis Questions and Answers
