Health Provider Information about Pertussis
A recent increase in cases of pertussis has been reported in Contra Costa County. The most severe cases of pertussis occur in young infants. Infants less than 6 months of age are most likely to be hospitalized and infants less than 3 months of age are most likely to die from pertussis infection. It is important to be vigilant of the early recognition and aggressive treatment of pertussis in infants less than 6 months to prevent poor outcomes. With health care professionals likely seeing more patients with suspect pertussis the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test is an important tool for timely diagnosis. The most important strategy to prevent infection in vulnerable infants is Tdap vaccination of the mother. All pregnant women should receive Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, any trimester but preferably between 27-36 weeks gestation, regardless of their vaccination history.
- Pertussis Health Advisory Poster – Stop Pertussis (CDPH)
- Stop Pertussis Poster – Pregnant Women and Their Babies Rely on You (CDPH)
Reporting Criteria
- Report any suspect or laboratory confirmed case of pertussis within one working day of identification (Title 17, California Code of Regulations (CCR) §2500); and
- Immediately report outbreak by phone to Contra Costa Public Health Communicable Disease Programs at 925-313-6740.
Additional Resources
- Clinical Guidance for Pertussis in Young Infants (AAP/CDPH)
- Pertussis Treatment Chart
- Pertussis Postexposure Prophylaxis (CDC)
- Laboratory Testing Recommendation for Pertussis (CDPH)
- Video: Collecting a Nasopharyngeal Swab Clinical Specimen (CDC)
- Video: Collecting a Nasopharyngeal Aspirate Clinical Specimen (CDC)
- Recommendations for Use of Tdap in Pregnant Women During Each Pregnancy (ACIP)
- Video: Babies Coughing with Pertussis (www.vaccineinformation.org)
- Pertussis Surveillance Data Contra Costa | California