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Pertussis in an infant adopted from Russia--May 2002
Insights
An unvaccinated 10-month-old infant adopted from Russia was diagnosed with pertussis (whooping cough) after showing respiratory symptoms. This case highlights the importance of vaccination for preventing infectious diseases in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.
- Vaccination is the primary method for preventing pertussis.
- International adoption can present unique public health challenges, including the health status of adopted children.
Observation:
- An unvaccinated 10-month-old infant adopted from Russia presented with upper respiratory congestion and cough.
- The infant was diagnosed with culture-confirmed pertussis.
- Another infant in the same Russian hospital ward had a severe cough, suggesting a potential source of infection.
Findings:
- The adopted infant had not received any pertussis vaccinations.
- The infant's symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as a common cold by a local physician.
- The case was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by North Carolina health officials.
Implications:
- This case underscores the risk of pertussis transmission in unvaccinated infants, particularly in congregate settings like orphanages.
- It emphasizes the need for thorough health screenings and timely vaccination for internationally adopted children.
- Public health strategies should address vaccination gaps in vulnerable infant populations to prevent outbreaks.
Abstract:
On May 2, 2002, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services notified CDC about an infant aged 10 months adopted from Russia who had culture-confirmed pertussis diagnosed. On April 8, the adoptive parents picked him up in the orphan ward at hospital A in Bryansk and noticed that the child had upper respiratory congestion and cough. The adoptive parents reported that the infant had not received any vaccinations and that another infant living in the same room in hospital A had a severe cough. The adopted infant subsequently was examined by a local physician, who diagnosed his condition as a "cold," and the infant was taken to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, where the parents were interviewed for an immigrant visa for the child.