Download Pertussis Whooping Cough

Pertussis/Whooping
Cough
Effects on population of infants and children
By: Elizabeth Bennett /Bergen Community College
Disease/Illness
Whooping Cough or(Pertussis)is a highly
contagious respiratory disease.
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Whooping Cough was first discovered at the
turn of the century in 1906 by Jules Bordet
(Immunologist)and Octave Gengou a
(bacteriologist ). They also created a
vaccine like Dr. Louis W. Sauer in 1920.
Historical Background
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Symptoms- The first symptoms of pertussis are like a cold:
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Sneezing
Coughing
Running Nose
Fever
However in two weeks time the cough becomes more serious with
a high pitched Whoop sound while trying to catch a breath.
The coughing spasm can be followed by gagging, not being able to
breath or vomiting.
Final recovery stage with coughing can last weeks or months.
Symptom Presentation
Causes
Pertussis is caused by spreading the
bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.
This bacteria creates a upper respiratory
infection and is transferred by the infected
person through the air. It is easily
transferred when a person coughs,
sneezes or comes in contact with saliva.
Infection last for 6 weeks.
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Causes
Bacterial upper respiratory
infection. Bordetella pertussis
Frequency/Rate
 The CDC confirms outbreaks of pertussis
are endemic (common) in the United
States.
Pertussis occurs every 3 to 5 years and
can become more frequent.

Frequency /Rate every 3 to 5
years.
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Risk Factors:
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Permanent disabilities caused by bacteria
to the heart and nervous system.
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Infant Death
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Effects on older children generally have a
very good outlook considering risk factors.
Risk Factors
Treatments
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Antibiotic therapy ( Erythromycin)
Treatment: Antibiotic Therapy
Diagnosis:
Health Care provider will observe
symptoms and collect a sample of
patient’s saliva from the throat.
Prevention:
Getting the vaccine and also scheduled
childhood immunization of (DTaP).
Tdap is a booster vaccine available for older
children and adults in contact with infants.
Diagnosis by health care provider.
Prevention: Immunization and
booster vaccines.
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References:
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PubMed: www.pubmed.gov
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CDC http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/
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Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
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http://www.nurseweek.com/news/Features/0411/Clinical_Pertussis.asp
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National Library of Medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
References