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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Health care providers, administrators, and clinical laboratory directors should report confirmed or suspect cases immediately to their Local Health Department by telephone.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Pertussis is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. Pertussis can occur in people of all ages, but is most severe in infants less than one year old. More than half of these infants who get the disease must be hospitalized. The first symptoms are like the common cold such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and fever. However, within two weeks, the cough becomes more serious episodes of coughing spasms followed by a high pitched "whoop" sound when the person tries to take a breath. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics and prevented with a vaccine.
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Increase in Pertussis Cases NEW: 8/22/2024
Pertussis is an endemic disease in the United States (US), with peaks in reported disease every 3 to 5 years and frequent outbreaks. Across the US, the number of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic due to mitigation practices (e.g., good hygiene, distancing, masking). However, cases are beginning to return to . Preliminary data show that more than three times as many cases have been reported in the US as of early August, compared to the same time in 2023, which is higher than what was seen at the same time in 2019, prior to the pandemic. 樱花视频 is experiencing a similar increase in pertussis cases.
To prevent the further spread of pertussis, the NJDOH is encouraging all residents to ensure they are up-to-date with routine vaccines (especially ), maintain , and to stay home when ill. The NJDOH would also like to remind providers to consider in persons with prolonged cough (regardless of vaccination status), perform appropriate diagnostic , and to review the following reminders, recommendations, and resources: