Pertussis Advisory For Health Care Providers

Central District Health Urges Health Care Providers to Consider Pertussis in Patients with Cough Illness

Pertussis Update

During the month of January 2024, 3 confirmed cases of pertussis have been reported among Ada County residents with an additional 10 residents in contact with those becoming ill.

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/clinical/diagnostic-testing/specimen-collection-diagnosis.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/clinical/treatment.html

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: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/index.html

Additional Information and Reporting

For additional information or case reporting contact the Communicable Disease Control at 208-327-8625. To schedule an appointment at CDH, please contact the Family Clinic Services at 208-327-7400.