Pertussis on the Rise

Some areas in Indiana have seen and increased of pertussis cases more than usual, and health officials are urging physicians to start antibiotic therapy for patients who may have the illness.

Shelbyville schools have informed parents about three cases of the disease, which exposed students and teachers.

Many of the reported cases are in adolescents and adults who are eligible for the Tdap vaccine that gives these individuals a booster against pertussis as well as the tetanus and diphtheria.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) states we need to do a better job of promoting the use of Tdap in our practices to protect these individuals from contracting pertussis and from spreading it to those at increased risk for complications, such as infants at home or pregnant women.

Last year, a total of 68 cases had been confirmed and as of Oct. 24, 78 cases of pertussis or whooping cough had been reported in Indiana, with an additional 19 cases under investigation.

The symptoms of pertussis typically begin seven to 10 days following exposure and occur in three stages. First, an individual may experience cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose or sneezing. A mild, occasional cough may develop as well.

During the second stage, the cough becomes more severe with bursts of coughing that may cause difficulty catching one’s breath (resulting in a whoop sound) or vomiting following coughing. This stage can last as long as 10 weeks.

Finally, the cough begins to resolve and become less persistent.

The following steps are recommended:

• Patients suspected of having pertussis should remain home from work or school for five days while taking appropriate antibiotics or 21 days if they choose not to take antibiotics.


• Symptomatic close contacts of individuals suspected of having pertussis should be isolated for five days while taking appropriate antibiotics.


• Asymptomatic close contacts should be placed on antibiotic prophylaxis but may remain in school or at work.


• Assess the vaccination status of patients. Children younger than 7 years are eligible for the DTaP vaccine, and persons ages 10 through 64 years are eligible for the one-time Tdap pertussis booster vaccine.

There are lab tests available to aid in the diagnosis and all suspected cases of pertussis should be reported immediately to the local health department

Once again, appropriate immunizations prevent this type of disease.