Health Topics

Pertussis

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis that is found in the mouth, nose, and throat of an infected person.

Pertussis can occur at any age, but severe illness is more common in young children who have not been immunized, and infants suffer the highest rates of hospital admission and death.

Reported Cases Of Pertussis in Rhode Island 2002-2006

Pertussis Update
October 10, 2006

CDC Pertussis Information

Information for Health Care Providers

• Collection Kit for B. Pertussis PCR/DFA and Culture
• Pertussis: Guidelines for Treatment, Management, and Reporting
• New CDC Recommendations for Antimicrobial Agents Used for Pertussis Treatment and Postexposure Prophylaxis December 19, 2005
• Pertussis Alert September 7, 2005
• Rhode Island Pertussis Surveillance Report 2006
• Prevention of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis among Health Care Workers and Adults: ACIP Provisional Recommendations for use of Tdap Vaccine
• Prevention of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis among Pregnant Women: ACIP Provisional Recommendations for use of Tdap Vaccine
• Guidelines for the Control of Pertussis Outbreaks