During the last three months, 12 pertussis cases have been reported among Ada County residents. This is twice the number compared to the same time period last year. Many of the cases are in teenagers and young adults (i.e. 13-20 years old), however 25% of the cases are older than 40.

Some cases are being reported among vaccinated individuals and in many instances these people are exhibiting a milder cough without the classical “whoop”. Please consider testing for pertussis in patients with cough illness.

Laboratory Testing
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of a nasopharyngeal swab is optimal for testing within the first 4 weeks after cough onset. Serology should not be used unless the patient has been coughing longer than 3 weeks. Testing recommendations can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/php/laboratories/index.html

Prevention in the Household and Community
To stop the spread of disease, antibiotic treatment is recommended for the infected person and antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for all household contacts. Azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin are all effective choices for both prophylaxis and treatment. Treatment information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/hcp/clinical-care/

Immunization continues to be an important part of the control for whooping cough, especially for families with infants. Immunization recommendations and schedules can be found on CDC’s website at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/

For additional information or case reporting contact the Office of Communicable Disease Control at 208 327-8625. For immunization questions contact the CDHD Shot Line at 208-321-2229.

“Partnering to promote, protect and preserve health in our community”

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