What is Pertussis?
Pertussis, commonly know as "whooping cough," is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system that can cause spasms of severe coughing. It is the only disease for which children are routinely vaccinated that is currently on the rise in the U.S. There were over 1,000 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1976. In 2003 there were over 10,000 reported cases.
According to the CDC, from 1997 to 2000, about one-third of all reported pertussis cases occurred in infants less than six months old. During the same time, more than 5,500 children with pertussis were hospitalized and over 60 died.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pertussis?
Pertussis causes severe coughing spells, typically followed by a high-pitched "whoop," which can make it difficult to eat, drink, sleep, or even breathe. The first symptoms of pertussis are similar to the common cold ‚ a mild fever, runny nose, and dry cough. Symptoms generally progress to more severe coughing episodes which are followed by vomiting. These severe coughing spells can last more than two months. In some cases, pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizure, brain damage, and even death.
Adolescents generally exhibit different symptoms of the disease, often without the classic "whoop," making it difficult to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, allergies, and the common cold. However, for these older pertussis sufferers, severe coughing episodes can lead to vomiting, a hernia, or even a broken rib.
While pertussis is threatening to all, this highly contagious disease can be deadly in infants who are too young to be fully immunized.
How Is Pertussis Spread?
Pertussis is spread by airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Adolescents are an important reservoir for the disease. Immunity from childhood vaccination generally wanes after five to ten years, leaving many teens susceptible to this serious and highly contagious disease.
Pertussis is highly contagious. Up to 90% of household contacts may develop the disease when exposed to people infected with the disease.
How is Pertussis Prevented
Vaccination for pertussis was introduced in the United States in the 1940s for infants and children up to age seven years old. Currently, in the United States pertussis vaccination is not available to individuals over the age of seven. The DTaP vaccine contains vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Children receive five shots ‚ two, four, and six months, 15 to 18 months of age, and between four and six years old.
The pertussis vaccine conveys immunity which wanes in five to ten years after the last shot. This means many adolescents are not protected against pertussis. There is work being done on a vaccine for adolescents and adults.
In a recent interview, Dr. Kathryn Edwards, professor of pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine warned: "Pertussis is a serious and growing public health threat with recent outbreaks occurring nationwide, particularly among adolescents."
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