Healthcare-Associated Pertussis Outbreak in Arizona: Challenges and Economic Impact, 2011

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

• Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis.
• Infants under six months are most vulnerable to severe pertussis complications, including pneumonia, encephalopathy, and death.
• Despite vaccination efforts, pertussis outbreaks continue to occur, posing significant challenges and costs in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a pertussis outbreak in a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
• To determine the outbreak-associated costs and identify risk factors contributing to healthcare-associated transmission.
• To provide guidance for preventing future pertussis outbreaks in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• An outbreak investigation was conducted following the identification of pertussis cases in a NICU.
• The study involved case finding among infants and healthcare professionals.
• Costs associated with the outbreak were calculated, and risk factors for transmission were examined.

Main Results:

• The outbreak resulted in 15 cases of pertussis: 5 infants and 10 healthcare professionals.
• The total cost of the outbreak to the hospital was $97,745.
• The investigation identified potential risk factors contributing to the spread of Bordetella pertussis within the NICU.

Conclusions:

• Heightened awareness and prompt recognition of pertussis in NICUs are essential for preventing healthcare-associated spread.
• Effective control measures are critical to minimize the financial and clinical impact of pertussis outbreaks in neonatal units.
• Implementing targeted prevention strategies can reduce the incidence and cost of pertussis in vulnerable infant populations.