Pertussis

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease of the lungs and respiratory system caused by bacteria. Pregnant persons and infants infected with Pertussis are vulnerable to serious complications such as hospitalizations or death.

How is Pertussis Spread?

Pertussis is spread by wet droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. People with whooping cough can spread the disease from the time they get a runny nose until 3 weeks after their cough starts.

Fast Facts

• Coughing fits due to Pertussis infection can last for up to 10 weeks or more.
• 1 in 3 babies younger than 1 year old who get pertussis need hospital treatment.
• Pertussis can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can be life-threatening.
• Early symptoms are those of a cold: runny nose, low/no fever, mild cough
  • After 1-2 weeks: vomiting, breathing problems, extreme fatigue, whooping sound
  • For babies: gasping or gaging, breathing may stop, seizures

Good to know…

• Pertussis is cyclical, with peak cases every 3-5 years. California’s last epidemic was in 2019 with 3,321 cases reported, including one infant death.
• Pregnant persons and infants younger than 1 year old are at highest risk.
  • In order to protect young infants, here’s who should be vaccinated:
    • Pregnant women in their third trimester, (during each pregnancy)
    • Caregivers and household contacts of infants or pregnant women
    • Everyone in childcare settings with infants
• While testing for Pertussis is available, it can take a long time for results, so your doctor may treat you or your child based on symptoms.

Need to know

• Pertussis is preventable. Get vaccinated! – Routine childhood immunizations include pertussis prevention at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 mos, 4-6 years of age, and again at 11-12 years of age and are required for kindergarten and middle school entry. All adults should get at least one dose too.
• If exposed, confer with your doctor about postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
• Alameda County Public Health Department’s Acute Communicable Disease Section can provide you or your doctor guidance about PEP and how long infected persons need to stay home from school.
• If pregnant:
  • Pertussis vaccination is recommended in the third trimester of each pregnancy.
  • Getting the whooping cough Tdap vaccine while pregnant helps protect the baby. It’s better to get vaccinated while pregnant than after giving birth.

Resources

• Alameda County Pharmacy Directory - Pharmacies offering Tdap to pregnant women
• Vaccine Finder
• Alameda County Immunization Clinics
• CDC Pertussis
• CDPH Pertussis (Whooping Cough)