Related Experiment Videos
Pertussis in the adolescent and adult: a primary care concern
1Easton Public School System, Massachusetts, USA. Jtwistlej@aol.com
Insights
Pertussis (whooping cough) is resurging in all age groups, particularly adolescents and adults. Early diagnosis and treatment in these populations are crucial to prevent severe illness in infants.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Pediatrics
- * Epidemiology
Background:
- * Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory illness, was once primarily a childhood disease.
- * Widespread vaccination in 1949 led to near eradication, with record low cases in 1976.
- * Recent years show a significant resurgence of pertussis across all age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To examine the resurgence of pertussis in adolescents and adults.
- * To describe the epidemiologic characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of pertussis in this demographic.
- * To highlight the importance of vaccination in controlling pertussis transmission.
Main Methods:
- * Review of pertussis case data, focusing on trends in adolescents and adults.
- * Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches for pertussis.
- * Examination of treatment strategies and vaccination effectiveness.
Main Results:
- * Pertussis cases are increasing, with nearly half of reported cases in 1996 occurring in individuals aged 10 and older.
- * Adolescents and adults often experience milder pertussis symptoms but serve as primary disease transmitters.
- * Infants and young children are at high risk for severe complications from pertussis.
Conclusions:
- * Early recognition and treatment of pertussis in adolescents and adults are critical for preventing infant morbidity and mortality.
- * Understanding the epidemiology and clinical features in older populations is essential for effective public health strategies.
- * Vaccination remains a key intervention for controlling pertussis outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
Abstract:
Pertussis, a highly communicable, infectious respiratory disease, is considered a disease of childhood. The introduction of the standardized whole-cell pertussis vaccine in 1949 nearly eradicated pertussis. In 1976 in the United States, the lowest number of pertussis cases ever was reported. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the number of pertussis cases among all age groups. This increase is especially noted among adolescents and adults. In 1996, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 7,796 cases of pertussis, with almost half among individuals aged 10 years or older. Although pertussis in adolescents and adults is generally more mild than in children, it is a major source of disease transmission to younger children, who may have more serious complications. Consequently, early recognition and treatment of pertussis in adolescents and adults is imperative in preventing potentially life-threatening illness in infants and young children. This article examines pertussis in the adolescent and adult population, describing the epidemiologic characteristics of the disease, its clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and the use of vaccinations.