Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• Also known as Whooping Cough, Pertussis is caused by a bacterium called
  ”Bordatella pertussis”.
• Pertussis is very contagious, and can be prevented by vaccination .  It can be treated with antibiotics.
• Although pertussis can occur at any age, it is most severe in children and infants under 1 year of age who have not been vaccinated.

 

Anyone with Pertussis, should not return to daycare/school/work until the antibiotic has been taken for 5 days. Remember to finish the full course of antibiotics as ordered by your doctor.

What are the signs and symptoms of pertussis?

• Usually begins with a runny nose and cough.
• The cough soon becomes more frequent and severe.
• The coughing spell may end in gagging, vomiting or trouble breathing.
• Sometimes after a coughing attack, the child may give a loud “whoop” sound when breathing in. Not all infected persons make this sound.
• It takes a long time to get over Pertussis, and usually lasts for 6-10 weeks.

• Pertussis germs spread through the air or by touch.
• People with Pertussis are contagious from the time they have the first symptoms until 3 weeks after the coughing attacks start. This contagious period can be reduced to 5 days with antibiotic treatment.
• It takes 6-21 days to develop symptoms of Pertussis after coming in contact with an infected person.

• Check your child’s immunization record to see if he/she has had the Pertussis vaccine given at 2, 4, 6 months of age, followed by boosters at 18 months and again at 4-6 years. An adolescent booster s given again between 14-16 years.
• Know the signs of Pertussis. If symptoms of Pertussis develop, see your doctor.
• Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics, which are most effective if started 21 days following the start of the cough.
• All household contacts will need to take antibiotics. This may help to stop the person from developing the disease (or make the disease less severe).