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An upsurge in pertussis: epidemiology and trends

Greg P Marconi1, Lawrence A Ross, Alan L Nager

  • 1Divisions of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. gmarconi@chla.usc.edu

Pediatric Emergency Care
|February 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

California experienced a 723% rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in 2010 compared to 2009. Prompt diagnosis and vaccination are crucial to control this contagious respiratory infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks pose a significant public health concern, particularly in densely populated areas.
  • California experienced a notable upsurge in pertussis cases in 2010.
  • Tertiary care children's hospitals serve as key centers for diagnosing and managing pediatric infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the 2010 pertussis upsurge in California.
  • To review hospital-based data on pertussis diagnosis during this period.
  • To understand the impact of the outbreak on a large children's hospital.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of Bordetella pertussis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.
  • Data collected from emergency department specimens between January 2009 and August 2010.
  • Outcome measures included specimen volume, positive cases, and positivity rates.

Main Results:

  • A 723% increase in positive pertussis cases was observed in 2010 compared to 2009.
  • The median monthly positive specimen count rose from 1.5 in 2009 to 6.5 in 2010 (P = 0.0169).
  • The findings indicate a significant surge in pertussis activity during the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Emphasize prompt diagnosis and treatment of pertussis to limit transmission.
  • Healthcare providers and public health agencies must collaborate to control outbreaks.
  • Enhanced vaccination programs are essential for long-term pertussis prevention.
Abstract

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