Pertussis/Whooping Cough Alert

Pertussis Cases Increasing Locally

There have been 13 cases of Pertussis, more commonly known as Whooping Cough, reported among Monterey County residents this year.  This increase in pertussis activity is also occuring statewide, with four infants having died in California since January, all less than 3 months of age.

State and local health officials are concerned that 2010 will be a peak year for pertussis and recommend immediate preventive action.

Symptoms of Pertussis

• Onset begins with cold-like symptoms (nasal congestion, sneezing, and occasional cough)
• Fever is not common
• Illness can last 6-10 weeks with cough becoming severe after 1-2 weeks.
• Spasms of severe coughing are followed by a sudden deep inspiration, resulting in a “whooping” noise.
• Infants, younger than 6 months may gag, gasp, or stop breathing and may not “whoop.
• Post-cough vomiting is common for all ages.

The following groups of individuals should become vaccinated

• Children should get 5 doses of DTaP Vaccine at the recommended interval of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years

• Adolescents 11-18 should receive a Tdap booster

• Unvaccinated adults who meet the following criteria

1. mothers before pregnancy, during pregnancy, or immediately after delivery
2. Fathers or other household members/caregivers
3. Healthcare workers, especially if they work with children

Take the following actions immediately if you suspect pertussis

1. Cover your cough and avoid contact with unvaccinated infants, young children, and other high risk populations.
2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment

Providers can use these flyers, provided by the health department, to post in offices or during outreach for client education

Pertussis and Pregnancy (English)
Pertussis and Pregnancy (Spanish)
Pertussis Childhood Immunization (English)
Pertussis Childhood Immunization (Spanish)