Last Updated 1-29-10 by Russell Bevill
Public Health Spotlight July 2010 |
a summary
a summary
 |
a summary
| Pertussis |
|
|
a summary
 Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness that is spread from person-to-person through contact with droplets released when a person coughs or sneezes.
Infection can occur in any age group although newborns and infants under one year of age are usually at highest risk for infection, complications, and hospitalization.
Pertussis can be prevented through immunization. For full protection, a primary series of immunizations is required for children with boosters needed at intervals through age 64.
|
|
 |
a summary
Fast Facts
California:
- From January 1 to June 15, 2010, a total of 1,500 suspected cases statewide were identified. Of these, 910 cases were confirmed. This places the state incidence rate at 2.4 cases per 100,000 population.
- The 910 confirmed cases represent a four-fold increase in the number of cases from the same period last year when 219 cases were recorded.
Fresno County:
- During the same time period, a total of 229 suspected cases were identified. Of these, 145 were confirmed and one death has occurred. The incidence rate was calculated at 15 cases per 100,000 population.
- During the same period last year, a total of 10 cases were recorded in Fresno County.
Pertussis is cyclical. Cases tend to peak every two to five years. In 2005, 640 cases were identified in Fresno County for a total of 3,182 in California.
|
a summary
Signs of Pertussis
Early signs of pertussis include cold-like symptoms:
The severity of the cough gradually increases and can continue for several weeks or months. The “whoop” sound often associated with the pertussis cough varies.
|
a summary
Ask your doctor:
- To review the immunization records for the whole family to determine if pertussis vaccination is needed and appropriate.
- To determine whether a family member's cough could be caused by pertussis.
- About antibiotics for others in the household if a diagnosis of pertussis is made and treatment is started for one family member.
|
a summary
Educational Materials from the California Department of Public Health are Available at:
|
a summary
Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of pertussis:
- Infants, children, and adults, especially new parents and care providers of infants, should be up-to-date on immunizations for protection against pertussis as well as other vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands thoroughly and often.
- Persons with coughs lasting more than two weeks should consult a health care provider.
|
a summary
Vaccination Recommendations
Children need 5 doses of DTaP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), one dose at each of the following ages:
A dose of Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) is recommended for adolescents 11-18 years — preferred at ages 11-12.
People 11 through 64 years of age should get a booster dose of Tdap every ten years.
|
a summary
| Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health, and Fresno County Department of Public Health. |
|
|
|
| Additional Public Health Spotlight Features.... |
|
|
|