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[A pertussis outbreak in a ward for severely retarded]
Summary
A pertussis outbreak occurred in a facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, affecting both patients and staff. Bordetella pertussis was identified as the cause, highlighting the need for precautions against nosocomial pertussis transmission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Context:
- A nosocomial outbreak of persistent cough occurred in a ward for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities in June 2000.
- Symptoms included whooping and post-tussive apnea, suggestive of pertussis.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cause of a persistent cough outbreak among inpatients and staff.
- To assess clinical symptoms and serological findings for pertussis.
Summary:
- A retrospective investigation identified 14 cases of persistent cough over 3 weeks.
- Six inpatients and 8 staff members were affected.
- Serological tests confirmed pertussis in 6 out of 10 tested cases; others were considered probable pertussis.
- Antibiotic treatment was ineffective in all 12 treated cases.
Impact:
- Suggests Bordetella pertussis as a cause of persistent cough in adults.
- Recommends droplet precautions and macrolide treatment to prevent nosocomial pertussis transmission.