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Pertussis outbreak on a neonatal unit: identification of a healthcare worker as the likely source

E M Alexander1, S Travis, C Booms

  • 1Infection and Immunology Delivery Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|April 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) on a neonatal unit was investigated and contained. Rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing identified cases and a healthcare worker as the source, highlighting the need for vaccination strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly infants in hospital settings.
  • Outbreaks in healthcare facilities necessitate rapid identification and control measures to prevent further transmission.
  • The circulation of Bordetella pertussis among young adults can lead to nosocomial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the investigation and containment of a pertussis outbreak on a neonatal unit.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic methods, including PCR, in outbreak assessment.
  • To inform prevention strategies for pertussis in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serology were employed for case confirmation.
  • Epidemiological investigation traced the source of infection to a healthcare worker with a prolonged cough.
  • Control measures included mass chemoprophylaxis and exclusion of symptomatic staff.

Main Results:

  • Two infants were confirmed to have pertussis.
  • A healthcare worker was identified as the likely source of the outbreak.
  • PCR enabled rapid assessment of the outbreak's extent, guiding control interventions.

Conclusions:

  • This outbreak underscores the risk of pertussis transmission to hospitalized infants from community circulation.
  • PCR is a valuable tool for rapid outbreak assessment in healthcare settings.
  • Consideration of universal adolescent or selective healthcare worker vaccination is recommended for the UK to prevent similar events.

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