Pertussis vaccines are effective, but not perfect. They typically offer good levels of protection within the first two years after getting the vaccine, but protection wanes over time. In general, DTaP vaccines are 80% to 90% effective.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months.
General Information
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a well-known and very contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.
How is Pertussis Spread?
Person-to-person spread of pertussis occurs through small drops of spit from your mouth or nose when you talk, cough, or sneeze. Spread is most likely among people who live together or people who spend time together indoors.
What are the Symptoms of Pertussis?
It begins with cold-like symptoms and develops into a bad cough.
Coughing spells can be severe, sometimes ending in gagging or vomiting. Some kids also may have a high-pitched “whoop” after they cough, which is how the disease got its common name. However, infants may not cough at all, and some teens and adults don’t have a “whoop” after they cough.
Complications of pertussis include pneumonia, syncope (passing out), seizures, apnea (stopping breathing), and death. Severe complications are most common in infants.
Who is at High Risk for Pertussis?
People at high risk for severe illness from pertussis:
- Infants under 1 year old are at greatest risk for severe disease and death.
- People with pre-existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by pertussis.
Those who will have contact with people at high risk:
- Pregnant women in third trimester: Women in their third trimester may be a source of pertussis to their newborn infant.
- Healthcare workers with direct patient contact.
- Family members or caregivers of infants or pregnant women.
Prevention
Step 1
Get Immunized
Immunization is the most effective way to prevent pertussis.
Step Two
Wash Your Hands | Cover Your Cough & Sneeze
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw away used tissues in the wastebasket right away.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Step 3
Stay Home When Sick | Limit Your Exposure to People Who are Sick
If you have respiratory symptoms and must leave home, please consider wearing a mask to prevent spreading small drops of spit from your mouth or nose when you talk, cough, or sneeze.
Immunization Options
People of All Ages Need Whooping Cough Immunizations
DTaP
Young Children
For infants and young children, this vaccine is given in a series of five doses (at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years).
Tdap
Preteens
Adolescents (11–12 years old) should receive the Tdap immunization, which provides continued protection against pertussis.
Tdap
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are advised to receive the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester (between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy) for every pregnancy to protect newborns before they can receive their vaccinations.
Tdap
Adults
If you never received a Tdap booster as an adolescent, a single dose is recommended for adults.
Where Can I Get Tested for Pertussis?
There are tests available for pertussis through your doctor. PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) testing is currently the preferred test method for pertussis.
However, a negative test does not mean a person should stop treatment. The full prescription should be taken as directed by your care provider.
I Have Been Diagnosed With Whooping Cough (Pertussis) — Now What?
If you have been diagnosed with pertussis, early treatment with antibiotics can help reduce the spread of the disease to others. Close contacts of someone with pertussis may also be prescribed preventive antibiotics.
It’s important that you isolate until you have completed at least 5 days of antibiotic treatment or, if untreated, for 21 days from the onset of symptoms.
Isolation is essential to prevent transmission. Isolation means staying away from others and avoid going to work, school, or public places.
If you need to seek healthcare or leave isolation for any reason before completing 5 days of antibiotics, please wear a mask to prevent spreading pertussis.
Protect Infants and Elders
Infants under 12 months of age and people with pre-existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by pertussis are at the highest risk of serious illness. Please take extra precautions to protect them from exposure.
How Do I Know if I Am a Close Contact With Someone Diagnosed With Pertussis?
You are considered a close contact of someone with pertussis if:
- You live in the same household as someone with pertussis.
- You spent many hours together while they were symptomatic (e.g., cough, runny nose, low-grade fever, etc.). This could include being in the same room, household, or a confined place like a car.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have been a close contact with someone diagnosed with pertussis.
Program Contact
You can reach our Disease Prevention team at DiseasePrevention@whitmancounty.gov.
For time-sensitive matters during our normal business hours, you can reach us at (509) 332‑6752.
For after-hours emergency reporting for healthcare workers, you can reach an On-Duty WCPH Officer at (509) 595-4834.