Pertussis should be suspected in all symptomatic infants, children and adults regardless of immunization status.  Fully immunized children can still develop pertussis disease and present with milder symptoms.  Typically, infected adults or older children transmit disease to infants in the household.  Exposed infants frequently become seriously ill with complications requiring hospitalization.

 

You can help prevent the transmission of pertussis by taking the following actions:

·        Consider pertussis in any patient presenting with a severe or episodic cough of seven days or longer.

·        In accordance with State regulation immediately report all cases or suspect cases within 24 hours of recognition to the MCDPH Community Health Nursing at (602) 506-6767.  After regular business hours, weekends and holidays call (602) 747-7111.

·        DO NOT DELAY REPORTING while awaiting laboratory confirmation.

·        Whenever possible, collect nasopharyngeal specimens from suspect cases.  Please contact MCDPH to obtain media and access to free testing from the AZ State Health Laboratory. (Chances of culture confirmation are increased if specimens are obtained within 14 days of cough onset.)

·        Immediately treat all cases and suspect cases, and prophylax all household contacts with oral azithromycin (5 day course) or clarithromycin (7 day course) or erythromycin (14 day course).  This is required to eradicate carriage and prevent bacteriologic relapse and antibiotic resistance. Please see attached Physician Fact Sheet.

·        Age appropriately, immunize all children under seven years of age against pertussis with DTaP vaccine.  Boostrix and Adacel (Tdap) can be used for adolescents and adults.

 

If you have questions or need further assistance, you are welcome to contact the MCDPH Office of Community Health Nursing at (602) 506-6767.