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Living > Public Health, Safety

Pertussis

What is it?

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria.  It is commonly known as Whooping Cough. 

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are similar to the common cold, with a runny nose and irritating cough that gets worse over 1-2 weeks.  Severe coughing attacks occur which make it difficult to breathe.  When trying to catch a breath, it may sound like a "whoop".  It also can cause a person to gag, vomit, and spit up clear mucous.  The person can feel well between coughing attacks, which can make it difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms usually last for 6-10 weeks, but some teens and adults continue to have coughing attacks even longer.  It has been called the "100 day cough" for that reason. Adults who have a cough for longer than 2 weeks should see a doctor.

Infants less than 6 months old, older children and adults may not have the classic whooping sound.  The infection is most severe in infants less than 6 months, and they often need to be cared for in the hospital.

How soon do symptoms appear?

Symptoms can appear 6-20 days after exposure to someone with the infection.  They most commonly begin after 9-10 days.

How is it spread?

  • The bacteria can spread through the air by coughing or sneezing 
  • Through direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat

How long is it contagious?

A person with pertussis can be contagious from the time they have the first symptoms until 5 days after antibiotic treatment or for 21 days if not treated with antibiotics.

How is it diagnosed?

Pertussis is diagnosed by taking a nose/throat swab.

When can a person return to daycare/school/work?

People infected with pertussis should remain at home until they have been taking the appropriate antibiotics for at least 5 days.

What is the treatment?

Pertussis is treated with an antibiotic treatment for 10 days.

Who should receive preventative treatment?

When a case of pertussis is reported to Public Health, a public health nurse will determine close contacts that are at risk of developing the disease.  All household contacts should be treated with antibiotics as well as other close contacts identified.  Those who are identified as close contacts should watch for symptoms for 20 days after being exposed to Pertussis.

How can it be prevented?

  • Cleaning your hands is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of pertussis
  • Vaccination is the best protection against pertussis
  • If a vaccinated person becomes infected with pertussis, symptoms will be less severe
  • Ensure that your immunization record is up to date.  Children should receive pertussis vaccination at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 4-6 years of age
  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Do not share food, cups or eating utensils

This information is intended to provide general health-related information about pertussis.  It is not intended to replace medical consultation by your physician and/or other health care professionals.

Sources:  Red Book, 2008 26th Edition, American Academy of Pediatrics. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 2008. 19th Edition, David L. Heymann.Ontario. CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/pertussis_t.htm


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