Pertussis is an infectious disease of the airways caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It can affect persons of any age but is particularly serious and occasionally life-threatening for children aged under 1 year, especially those under 3 months. Complications include pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and weight loss. It develops within 6 to 20 days (usually 9 to 10 days) of exposure to the disease. 

What are the symptoms? 

Pertussis often begins with the same symptoms as a “cold”, followed within days by an irritating, persistent cough which gets worse and may last for several weeks. Bouts of coughing result in breathlessness which causes the characteristic “whoop” on breathing in. This may be associated with vomiting. Adults and infants may not have the “whoop”. Diagnosis can be confirmed by a swab of the back of the nose. 

How is it caught? 

Pertussis is caught from droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. A person is infectious for 3 to 4 weeks from the onset of the first symptoms. 

How is it treated? 

An antibiotic if given early, can reduce symptoms and shorten the infectious period. If pertussis is suspected, the person should be seen by a doctor and kept away from others, especially from children under 1 year of age, women in the late stage of pregnancy and anyone who is vulnerable, such as someone with lung or heart disease who is likely to have a more serious illness if infected. The person with pertussis should be off work, school or preschool until he/she has taken either 2 days of a 5 day course of azithromycin antibiotic or 5 days of a full course if another antibiotic is taken. If no antibiotic is taken, the person should be kept away from others for 3 weeks from the onset of the cough or until the end of the cough, whichever comes first. Cases should also be advised to stay away from community gatherings for the same period. A doctor can advise about treatment of symptoms. The cough is often distressing for preschoolers, but bed rest, plenty of fluids and small bland meals can be helpful and may lessen trigger factors for the cough. 

How is the disease prevented? 

Up-to-date immunisation is the most effective means of preventing the disease and controlling it all settings. Childhood vaccinations are free. If immunised children do happen to develop pertussis it is usually not as severe. An immunisation booster is recommended for certain adults to protect them from contact with those who are most vulnerable. They include midwives, other health care workers, preschool workers, pregnant women and those in a household where a new-born infant is expected. 

How is spread prevented? 

Antibiotics are given to contacts who would be at risk of spreading the illness to either under 1 year olds or others who are likely to have a more serious illness if infected, as follows: 

In a household or preschool with a case, that have a child/children aged under 1 year, members of the household or those attending a particular preschool session may need antibiotics. 

In a household with a case, where there is a woman in the late stage of pregnancy, all persons in that household should receive a course of antibiotic to prevent possible future spread to the new-born infant. 

Midwives, other healthcare or preschool worker etc. when they have been in close contact with someone with pertussis.

Any queries phone 03 364 1777 or visit website www.cph.co.nz