HomeMy WebLinkAboutpertussis-acphd-health-advisory-2024-11-08
Colleen Chawla
AC Health
Director
Page 1 of 1
Kimi Watkins-Tartt
ACPHD
Director
1100 San Leandro Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577 | (510) 267-8000
Health.AlamedaCountyCA.gov/ACPHD
Dr. Nick Moss
AC Health
Health Officer
Dr. Kavita Trivedi
ACPHD
CD Controller
1100 San Leandro Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577 | (510) 267-8000 | Health.AlamedaCountyCA.gov/ACPHD
HEALTH ADVISORY
INCREASE IN PERTUSSIS IN ALAMEDA COUNTY
NOVEMBER 8, 2024
SITUATION:
More than 60 confirmed or probable cases of Pertussis have been reported in Alameda County
during the 2024-2025 school year, along with multiple high school outbreaks. This is an
increase compared with recent years. No hospitalizations have been reported. Despite high
vaccination rates in our community, any person who has Pertussis-like symptoms should avoid
taking care of or spending time with pregnant persons or infants, as Pertussis can cause severe
illness or, in rare instances, death. A person infected with Pertussis is considered contagious for 21
days after the onset of cough or until 5 days of antibiotics have been completed.
Public Health initiates investigation and response to reported laboratory-confirmed cases of
Pertussis which includes identifying exposures, high-risk contacts and school exposure
notification. Clinicians are urged to identify clinically compatible cases, test, treat and provide
counseling for patients and families to reduce transmission in the community.
ACTIONS REQUESTED OF CLINICIANS:
➢ Suspect Pertussis early in a person with cold-like symptoms and cough if there is a history
of exposure to a Pertussis case. Also consider Pertussis if the cough is persistent (≥2
weeks), paroxysmal, or accompanied by post-tussive vomiting.
➢ Provide Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) if high-risk contacts are identified. These
include pregnant persons in 3rd trimester, infants, household or occupational contacts of
infants, and persons with underlying conditions, such as moderate to severe asthma or
immunocompromising conditions, who may experience severe disease.
➢ When testing persons with Pertussis symptoms, treat empirically with antibiotics and
exclude from exposure to high-risk contacts, school or the workplace pending test results,
so as not to expose additional persons.
➢ If your patient tests positive for Pertussis, advise isolation until 5 days of antibiotics have
been completed OR ≥3 weeks have elapsed since cough onset.
➢ Provide Tdap booster to pregnant persons in the third trimester of every pregnancy.
➢ If you have any questions, please call the Acute Communicable Disease Section at the
Alameda County Department of Public Health, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00
pm at (510) 267-3250.
Resources:
Treatment of Pertussis | Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | CDC
Pertussis (ACPHD)
Pertussis (CDPH)
Pertussis Quicksheet
Provide the best prenatal care to prevent pertussis