2010 may
be a peak year for pertussis
There
has been an increase in the number of cases of pertussis (commonly referred to
as "Whooping Cough") in San Mateo County and throughout the U.S. this
year. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is very concerned
that 2010 will be a peak year for pertussis, as was 2005 when at least
eight infants died. So far in 2010, five infants are known to have
died of pertussis in California. This year all infant deaths are under 3
months of age.
What is
pertussis?
Pertussis
is an infection of the respiratory tract that usually lasts 6-10 weeks.
Symptoms begin with a runny nose, sneezing, possibly a low-grade fever, and
mild cough. After a week or two, a persistent cough develops, which may
occur in explosive bursts, sometimes ending in a high-pitched whoop and
vomiting. Older children and adults may have a less typical cough.
Although the disease is less severe in adults and older children, they can
unknowingly infect infants and preschoolers who are at risk for serious
illness.
Pertussis can lead to serious complications, such as seizures and pneumonia,
and even death. 83% of deaths from pertussis occur in infants younger than 3
months of age and household contacts have accounted for the majority of
implicated transmissions to infants.
Pertussis is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes tiny droplets
into the air and another person breathes them in. An infected person is
contagious at the time of the early cold-like symptoms, before persistent
coughing starts. Persons remain contagious until about three weeks after
the persistent cough begins (for a total contagious period of about five weeks
for untreated pertussis). Those treated with antibiotics are no longer
contagious after completing five days of treatment. San Mateo County
Health System Communicable Disease Control Program recommends that students ill
with pertussis remain home from school during their contagious period.
Why are we concerned about pertussis among infants?
Infants under the age
of 12 months have more serious illness from pertussis and they are more likely
to have complications and be hospitalized than persons in other age groups. In
the 1990s, about two thirds of infants reported with pertussis were
hospitalized. Infants are more likely to have pneumonia or convulsions. Infants
also are at greatest risk of fatal pertussis. In recent years, 8 to 40 infant
deaths from pertussis are reported to CDC annually.
Children
should be vaccinated against pertussis
Children
should be vaccinated with DTaP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular
pertussis vaccine). DTaP is safe and effective, and prevents severe pertussis
and death among infants and young children. The best way to protect infants
from pertussis is to give DTaP vaccine on time at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. At
least three DTaP doses are needed to have the maximum benefit from the
vaccination. However, per the American Academy of Pediatrics 2009
Red Book, "If pertussis is prevalent in the community, immunization can be
started as early as 6 weeks of age, and doses 2 and 3 in the primary series can
be given at intervals of 4 weeks." Your pediatrician may recommend
an accelerated DTaP schedule for your infant during the current pertussis
epidemic. Vaccine will then be given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 12
weeks, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age.
Parents play
a key part in helping to minimize and control the spread of pertussis
Parents are urged to make sure their infant
receives all recommended doses of DTaP on time to best protect their infant. An
additional dose of DTaP vaccine is recommended at 15-18 months and at 4-6 years
of age to maintain protection. Protection from childhood vaccine fades
over time. Parents of newborns should be cautious about their baby's
exposure to people who are sick. It is always a good idea to wash your
hands and ask others to wash their hands before holding a baby, and to refrain
from being near a newborn if you have any symptoms of illness, especially cold
or flu symptoms.
What
populations should get a Tdap vaccine?
A
dose of Tdap is recommended by the California Department of Public Health
(CDPH) for all individuals ages 7 years and older who have not previously
received the vaccine. In particular, healthcare workers, preschool teachers,
parents, people who travel to countries where rates of pertussis remain high,
and those who work with infants, such as caregivers are highly encouraged to
get a Tdap vaccine.
In
partnership, First 5 San Mateo County and the San Mateo County
Health System have provided the information contained in this Health
Bulletin. For additional information about pertussis or to schedule a 20
minute presentation about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of spreading
pertussis, contact Natasha Desai at [email protected]
or (650) 573-2009. For
additional information about First 5 San Mateo County, contact Chonne Sherman, Communication & Operations Liaison at [email protected].us
Where to get your Pertussis Vaccination in San Mateo County
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