Pertussis Presentation

Epidemiology
• Catarrhal -runny nose, sneezing, low fever, and a mild cough; similar to
a common cold and gradually become more severe.
• Paroxysmal - bursts or paroxysms of numerous, rapid coughs. These
coughing episodes seem to be due to a difficulty in expelling mucus from
the tracheobronchial tree; end with a long inspiratory effort accompanied
by the high pitched whoop from which the disease gets its name.
• Convalescent – gradual recovery but cough may persist for months
Clinical Case
• 8 - week old female was seen in the ER
with 2 week history of paroxysmal
cough, progressing to her gasping for
breath and vomiting.
• Clear chest X-ray, pulse 160, respiration
70, fever of 38.0 o C. WBC 16,000/mm 3
with 70% lymphocytes.
Classic Presentation
Clinical Case
15 yo female presents to
her pediatrician with
history of coughing fits
for 4 weeks duration
interfering with sleep.
No fever, whoop or
posttussive vomiting.
Common Presentation
Pertussis
Control of Pertussis
“A disease of
adolescents and adults
that can kill infants.”
– 90% of deaths from
pertussis in infants
• Antimicrobial
Treatment
• Infection Control
Measures
• Vaccination
Aust Fam Physician. 2007 Jan-Feb;36(1-2):51-6
Amy L. Leber, PhD
IL Communicable Dis Conference 2012
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