Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Information
On June 23, California health authorities declared an epidemic of pertussis, or whooping cough, in the state. Based on the number of reported cases to date, California is on pace for the worst outbreak of the disease in 50 years. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Mark Horton called for children to be vaccinated against whooping cough, and urged parents, family members and caregivers of infants to obtain a booster shot.
There are 226 reported cases of whooping cough in San Diego County with 15 infants hospitalized as a result of the disease (as of July 27), according to the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. For all of last year, there were 143 cases.
On July 27, a 1-month-old baby boy diagnosed with whooping cough died at Rady Children's, leading officials to continue urging parents to get themselves and their children vaccinated. The last whooping cough death in San Diego was in 2001. With this death in San Diego, seven infants have now died this year from the disease in California.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get five doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at 2 mo., 4 mo., 6 mo., 15-18 mo., and 4-6 years of age. Routine immunization with a Tdap booster is for adolescents at 11 to 12 years old. All older children and adults should receive a one-time dose of Tdap, given in place of a “tetanus booster,” which should be administered every 10 years. Vaccinations area available at Vons pharmacies throughout Southern California.
Named for the "whoop" sound children and adults sometimes make when they try to breathe in during or after a severe coughing spell, whooping cough usually starts with flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, fever and a mild cough. Hear how whooping cough sounds in an adult and child. These symptoms may be mild and brief, or last up to two weeks, but are often followed by severe coughing fits that may be associated with vomiting. Fever, if present, is usually mild. Whooping cough is treatable with antibiotics.
Please click on the links below to learn more.
For Parents:
- County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency – Updates on Reported Cases
- Whooping Cough is on the Rise in California – Protect Your Baby
- About Whooping Cough
- Pertussis – What You Need to Know
- Pertussis Disease – Questions and Answers
- About the Vaccine
For Clinicians:
- CD Brief: 2010–A Peak Year for Pertussis in California
- Slide Set: CDPH June 2010 California/ Pertussis Update
- Slide Set: Effectiveness of Postpartum Tdap Immunization in California Hospitals
- Flyer: Pertussis is Peaking: Take Action! (also available in Spanish)
- CDPH Quicksheet: Pertussis
- Flyer for Students: Pertussis/Tdap
- AAP Web Site: Pertussis in Young Infants
