1. Pertussis/Whooping Cough Effects on population of infants and children By: Elizabeth Bennett /Bergen Community College

2. Historical Background Disease/Illness Whooping Cough or(Pertussis)is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Whooping Cough was first discovered at the turn of the century in 1906 by Jules Bordet (Immunologist)and Octave Gengou a (bacteriologist ). They also created a vaccine like Dr. Louis W. Sauer in 1920.

3. Symptom Presentation Symptoms- The first symptoms of pertussis are like a cold: Sneezing Coughing Running Nose Fever However in two weeks time the cough becomes more serious with a high pitched Whoop sound while trying to catch a breath. The coughing spasm can be followed by gagging, not being able to breath or vomiting. Final recovery stage with coughing can last weeks or months.

4. Causes Bacterial upper respiratory infection. Bordetella pertussis Causes Pertussis is caused by spreading the bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. This bacteria creates a upper respiratory infection and is transferred by the infected person through the air. It is easily transferred when a person coughs, sneezes or comes in contact with saliva. Infection last for 6 weeks.

5. Frequency /Rate every 3 to 5 years. Frequency/Rate The CDC confirms outbreaks of pertussis are endemic (common) in the United States. Pertussis occurs every 3 to 5 years and can become more frequent.

6. Risk Factors Risk Factors: Permanent disabilities caused by bacteria to the heart and nervous system. Infant Death Effects on older children generally have a very good outlook considering risk factors.

7. Treatment: Antibiotic Therapy Treatments Antibiotic therapy ( Erythromycin)

8. Diagnosis by health care provider. Prevention: Immunization and booster vaccines. Diagnosis: Health Care provider will observe symptoms and collect a sample of patient’s saliva from the throat. Prevention: Getting the vaccine and also scheduled childhood immunization of (DTaP). Tdap is a booster vaccine available for older children and adults in contact with infants.

9. References References: PubMed: www.pubmed.gov CDC http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/ Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ http://www.nurseweek.com/news/Features/04- 11/Clinical_Pertussis.asp National Library of Medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/