| Disease/Syndrome |
Pertussis |
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| Category |
Infection, Occupational |
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| Acute/Chronic |
Acute-Moderate |
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| Synonyms |
Whooping cough; Bordetella pertussis infection |
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| Biomedical References |
Search PubMed |
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| Comments |
FINDINGS: The paroxysmal coughing may last 1-2 months. There is usually sputum production at the end of a coughing spell. [CCDM, p. 399-404] The catarrhal stage includes runny nose, conjunctival injection, and sneezing. The paroxysmal stage with dry cough develops after the first week. Fever is often absent. [ID, p. 1746] Low-grade fever is sometimes present in the catarrhal stage. Onset of fever later in the course suggests secondary infection, such as otitis media or pneumonia. Cough paroxysms may cause subconjunctival hemorrhages, petechiae, epistaxis, subcutaneous emphysema, and CNS hemorrhages. Older children and adults may suffer pneumothorax, rib fracture, and cough syncope. [PPID, p. 2703-4] Complications in unimmunized infants and children include pneumonia, encephalopathy, seizures, weight loss, and death. [CCDM, p. 399] The WBC count is elevated with a predominance of mature lymphocytes. Cultures may become negative after the early paroxysmal stage. [Wallach, p. 930] PREVENTION: Outbreaks in high schools have been reported in recent years. Immunity decreases over time after vaccination in childhood, and all adolescents and adults are susceptible. [Lexi-ID, p. 53] "Pertussis is highly contagious; secondary attack rates exceed 80% in susceptible household contacts. . . . Pertussis should be considered for any person seeking treatment with an acute cough lasting at least 7 days, particularly if accompanied by paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory whoop, or posttussive vomiting. . . . Postexposure prophylaxis is indicated for personnel exposed to pertussis; a 14-day course of either erythromycin (500 mg orally four times daily) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (one tablet twice daily) has been used for this purpose." [Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Personnel. CDC. 1998] |
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| Latency/Incubation |
6 days to 3 weeks; average 9-10 days |
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| Diagnostic |
Culture; PCR testing of secretions; DFA not recommended because of inaccuracy; Serology not useful if done within 1 yr of vaccination; [CCDM] PCR test is rapid, sensitive, and specific. After 4 wks of illness, PCR and culture become negative. [5MCC] |
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| ICD-9 Code |
033.0 |
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| Available Vaccine |
Yes |
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| Effective Antimicrobics |
Yes |
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| Reference Link |
CDC - Pertussis PDF File |
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| Related Information in Haz-Map |
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| Symptoms/Findings |
Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:
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| Job Tasks |
High risk job tasks associated with this disease:
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