Pertussis Updates

WCCHD Pertussis Updates

There was a dramatic increase in the number of confirmed pertussis cases in 2009. An unusually high number of cases continue to be reported in 2010.  When cases are reported in school-age children, WCCHD assists school districts in informing parents and staff members and ensuring appropriate control measures are taken. The symptom onset date for the most recent laboratory confirmed case of pertussis is in August 2010.

WCCHD Pertussis Statistics

Laboratory testing is vital in confirming pertussis as the cause of an outbreak, ruling out other diseases that may produce pertussis-like symptoms. The timing of specimen collection may be improved if pertussis is suspected early on in the course of the illness. Laboratory test results for a person with pertussis may be negative if specimens are collected >2 weeks after cough onset. During periods of increased incidence and outbreaks, increased awareness of pertussis by health care providers and the general public leads to more testing. Furthermore, specimens are more likely to be collected early in the course of illness due to an increased index of suspicion for pertussis. Specimen collection for endemic or sporadic cases, especially for adults, may not be optimal, often making laboratory confirmation difficult. Suspect cases with negative test results will only be classified as “probable” if they meet the clinical case definition.

2010 Pertussis Cases Reported to WCCHD by Statistical Area (as of 08/24/2010)

Age of 2010 Pertussis Cases Reported by WCCHD (as of 08/24/2010)

Age Range (Years)	Confirmed Cases	Probable Cases
<1	20	39
1 - 4	91	88
5 - 9	70	84
10 - 14	23	40
15 - 19	2	11
20+	21	78
Unknown	0	0
TOTAL	227	340

Gender of 2010 Pertussis Cases Reported by WCCHD (as of 08/24/2010)
 

Charts and Graphs

Click here to review Provisional 2009 Pertussis Data