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Pertussis

Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract. Infants and young children are routinely immunized against this disease. But as we age, the immunity begins to decrease, leaving adolescents and adults without protection against the germ that causes this disease. Diagnosed cases of pertussis in the age 19 and over population accounted for 27% of all cases in 2004, although it is believed that the actual number of cases is much higher. For this reason, the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) has recommended that adults age 19-64* should receive a single dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine) instead of just the Td (tetanus and diphtheria) when getting a booster shot (usually given in 10 year intervals.) *Currently, Tdap is not licensed for use in those over age over age 64.

In adults, the cough can range from a mild, annoying cough illness to a severe cough illness, with spasms of coughing, vomiting from coughing and a whooping sound when breathing in (classic in children.) Complications in adults can lead to fractured ribs or pneumonia. Infants are at highest risk of complications from pertussis. As much as grandparents want to visit grandchildren, especially if they provide day care for them, adults with pertussis should stay away from infants.

For detailed information on pertussis, go to http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/pink/pert.pdf

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203) 248-4528
Fax. (203) 248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org