Pertussis: When a Cough is NOT Just a Cough

With the recent surge in whooping cough cases, we asked local pediatrician and frequent Marin Mommies contributor Dr. Steven Martel to answer some questions our readers had about this potentially serious illness.

The re-emergence of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has garnered much media attention due to the recent epidemic.

Pertussis is a highly contagious, vaccine preventable disease caused by a particular bacterium. The disease spreads via respiratory droplets which result from sneezing or coughing onto surfaces. The disease usually begins with symptoms that are similar to the common cold, particularly runny nose and fever. Over the course of 7–10 days the affected person develops a spasmodic, difficult to control cough which can make it hard to breathe. The infection’s characteristic “whoop” cough is responsible for its common name. However, the “whooping” sound is uncommon in infants. The cough usually lasts for about 6 weeks.

Children who have been vaccinated according to the Centers for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, receive pertussis vaccination as part of the DTaP series. This vaccine is given at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months of age with a single booster between 4–6 years old. The Tdap booster is recommended at 11–12 years old and every 10 years thereafter.

Most children who are vaccinated will not be susceptible to infection. Since immunity does wane over time, often it is adults and older children who spread the infection. Thus, it is extremely important for all adults who care for newborns to be vaccinated against pertussis.

If you suspect pertussis, your health care provider can make the diagnosis based on a sample from nasal secretions. Common antibiotics can lessen the effects of the disease and shorten the course- but only if started early in the illness. Most individuals are identified outside the usual window during which treatment is helpful. However, antibiotic treatment is still advised, as it reduces the risk of spreading the disease to others.

Pertussis is a very serious disease in infants and toddlers. There is a high likelihood of death or long-term complications for infants; therefore, they must be monitored carefully. Please check with your health care provider or county health department to see if you are eligible for vaccination.

Steven Martel, MD, FAAP is a pediatrician with Child’s Light Pediatrics, Inc., a unique, house call pediatric practice in Marin County and San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.childslightpediatrics.com