Pertussis - Facts to Know
With 96% of pertussis deaths occuring in infants, vaccination is essential to prevention.
Did you know?
Clark County currently has the highest number of pertussis infections in the entire state of Washington. If you aren’t sure what that means for you and your family’s health, Little Spuds is here to help. Let us break it down for you.
Pertussis Facts
Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough” or historically as “the 100 day cough,” is a vaccine preventable, serious respiratory infection caused by the organism Bordatella Pertussis.
Pertussis immunity is provided in the vaccine series at the following ages: 2, 4, 6, 15 - 18 months, and 4-5 years with an additional booster sometime between 11-18 years of age.
Pertussis is primarily a childhood disease, with 71% of the cases occurring in those younger than 5 years of age, 38% in those younger than 6 months (2). 96% of the deaths related to pertussis are in infants.
Prior to the development of the pertussis vaccination in 1940, pertussis was a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
Pertussis is EXTREMELY contagious: 100% of non-immune household contacts will contract pertussis.
Those at highest risk of contracting pertussis include pregnant women, those who are underimmunized and those who have close contact with someone who has an active pertussis infection.
Vaccine induced immunity begins to wane 7 years after immunization, dropping down to 50% 12 years after complete immunization.
Natural immunity begins to wane about 15 years after infection.
Three Phases
Pertussis has three phases. The first phase, called the catarrhal phase, lasts 1-3 weeks and resembles common colds, with symptoms like cough, fever, runny nose, red eyes, and tiredness. Many incorrectly believe they have a viral illness. This phase is highly contagious.
The second phase, called the paroxysmal phase, starts when the fever goes away and intense coughing begins. Children aged 6 months to 5 years may develop a distinct "whoop" sound when inhaling after intense coughing. This cough can cause blood vessels to burst, leading to a red rash called petechiae, and may result in bloody noses and burst blood vessels in the eyes, leading to conjunctival hemorrhages. During severe coughing fits, infants and children may turn blue, sweat, or even stop breathing. After coughing, they might vomit, faint, or again stop breathing.
Diagnosing infants can be harder as they may not show fever and can breathe fast with a low heart rate, sometimes having unusual episodes of not breathing. In the final phase, the convalescent phase, the cough can last for weeks or even months.
So what can you do?
At Little Spuds, we understand that pertussis poses serious health risks to infants and children. We recommend regular childhood vaccinations and boosters to prevent pertussis. Pregnant women may receive boosters in the last three months of pregnancy to protect newborns under 2 months old. Underimmunized infants' parents should consult their healthcare provider for ways to protect their child from pertussis during local outbreaks. Infants under 1 year who are unvaccinated and have pertussis may need hospitalization. If you suspect your infant has been exposed to this highly contagious infection, they are not vaccinated and they have developed symptoms, prompt evaluation and treatment are crucial. Treatment involves macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin, erythromycin, or clarithromycin. Household contacts may need treatment as well. For infants younger than 4 weeks, macrolides may cause a condition called pyloric stenosis, so treatment should be provided with close monitoring. For families unsure of what to do if their infant or child may have been exposed, Little Spuds offers telehealth and in-home visits to address your concerns. Depending on your infant's symptoms and how long they've been ill, they might need to go to the emergency room. If you're worried about possible exposure to pertussis, request a visit with Little Spuds HERE. We're here to help ensure your child gets the care they need, in the comfort and convenience at home.
References
Nearly 170 whooping cough cases reported in two months; chickenpox outbreaks impact three schools. Clark County Public Health. (2024, November 12). https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/nearly-170-whooping-cough-cases-reported-two-months-chickenpox-outbreaks-impact-three
Lauria, A., & Zabbo, C. (2022, October 7). Pertussis. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519008/
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 4). Treatment of Pertussis. Whooping Cough (Pertussis). https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/hcp/clinical-care/index.html#:~:text=Treatment%20options%20vary%20by%20age&text=Use%20macrolides%20with%20caution.,pertussis%20in%20very%20young%20infants.