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Pertussis Information and Resources

Click on the links below for more information:

Pertussis Statistics

General Pertussis Information

Resources for Health Care Providers

Resources for Schools and Childcare Centers

Archived Information

Pertussis cases are on the rise statewide and nationally.

For Michigan pertussis information visit the MDCH pertussis website here.

For national pertussis information visit the CDC pertussis website here.

Pertussis Information for Genesee County (Back to Top)

     New 2010 Pertussis Statistics for Genesee County

• An increase in pertussis was first noticed in the second half of 2009 and the number of cases has remained high

• The number of cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is high in Genesee County

• Spread of the infection has been seen in group settings in Genesee County (households, schools, etc)

• It is likely more cases are occurring as pertussis is often an unrecognized or undiagnosed prolonged cough illness, especially among adolescent and adult populations because they typically experience a milder course of illness

What is Pertussis? (Back to Top)

     Click Here for the GCHD Pertussis Fact Sheet

• Pertussis is a very contagious disease affecting the respiratory tract

• It is caused by a type of bacteria

• Pertussis is a vaccine preventable disease

• Pertussis is spread through the air by droplets from an infected person when he or she coughs, sneezes or talks

• Only a health care provider can diagnose and treat pertussis

• Symptoms begin like a cold and include fever, runny nose and coughing episodes that gradually become more severe

• Coughing episodes persist and become frequent even after cold symptoms subside and can last 1 month or longer

• Symptoms of pertussis include:

  • Coughing episodes that persist greater than one week and often become more frequent and more severe

  • Severe coughing episodes in which the person cannot stop

  • Gagging and vomiting after coughing spells

  • Coughing that is worse at night

  • The person may look and feel healthy between coughing episode

  •  New Hear the cough: http://www.pkids.org/diseases/pertussis.html

Resources for Health Care Providers (Back to Top)

     Printable pertussis pocket guide for clinician

     Printable treatment and prophylaxis table

     New Joint Commission Press Release regarding Tdap in Adolescents and Adults

     New Letter from MDCH Chief Medical Executive to OB/GYNs on Tdap Vaccination

     New Letter from MDCH Chief Medical Executive to Birthing Hospitals on Tdap Vaccination

• Clinicians should consider pertussis in prolonged cough illnesses (greater than 2 weeks)

• Michigan’s public health laws require that health care providers report all suspected and confirmed cases of pertussis to the local health department. Please call the GCHD at (810) 257-1017 as soon as you suspect a case

• The recommended diagnostic tests are culture or PCR of nasopharyngeal (NP) swab (Dacron) or aspirate* (Serology and DFA tests are NOT recommended)

  New Click here to see how to  perform a nasopharyngeal swab

  *Note: The Genesee County Health Department does not carry nasopharyngeal swabs or transport media for testing

  • New CDC Health Alert Network Message: Best Practices for Health Care Professionals on the Use of PCR Tests for Diagnosing Pertussis 

  • The Michigan Department of Community Health conducts laboratory testing for pertussis. Clinicians may contact the GCHD at (810) 257-1017 to coordinate testing of specimens

• Health care providers should also ensure that their patients are fully vaccinated. See ACIP vaccine schedule here

• Those diagnosed with pertussis as well as close contacts should give treatment or prophylaxis for pertussis, regardless of vaccination status

• For more information see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/default.htm