Pertussis

ABOUT

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which can make it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old. The best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated.

• Click here to hear the distinctive sounds of whooping cough.

COMMUNITY

• Fact Sheet 
• CDC Information: Pertussis

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS​

ALL cases of Pertussis are to be reported to the local health department within 24 HOURS of diagnosis.

• Parent Notification Letter
• The Pink Book: Pertussis Chapter
• CDC: Clinical Overview of Pertussis​

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Reporting

• Protocol
• Case Definition
• Case Report Form
• WVEDSS

Case Management

• Outbreak Toolkit
• Parent Notification Letter Template
• Physician Letter Template​

VACCINE INFORMATION

• ​CDC: Pertussis Vaccination Information
• Immunization Schedules

TESTING

• Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimen Collection: Clinical | Aspirate
• ​CDC Best Practices for Pertussis PCR Testing

DATA AND SURVEILLANCE

• VPD Data
• 2007-2015
• 1999-2008
• 1940-2011