Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
About
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, remains a significant public health concern in the United States despite widespread vaccination. The cyclical nature of pertussis outbreaks, waning immunity in adolescents and adults, and vaccine hesitancy contribute to periodic resurgences of the disease. Continued efforts in maintaining high vaccination rates, especially among pregnant women and infants, along with improved diagnostic methods and public awareness campaigns, are crucial for controlling pertussis and protecting vulnerable populations.
Resources
The following resources are intended for health departments, clinicians, and the general public.
Pertussis Information
- Case Definitions [CDC]
- US Cases and Outbreaks [CDC]
- Vaccine Recommendations [CDC]
- Diagnostic Testing [CDC]
- Symptoms [CDC]
- Treatment [CDC]
- CDC Yellow Book: Pertussis [CDC]
- CDC Pink Book: Pertussis [CDC]
Health Department Outbreak Response Example Materials
Overview: The following guidance and educational materials have been developed by CORI, CDC, state and local health departments to support providers and clinic administrators prepare for, recognize, and respond to measles.
Case Investigation Tools and Protocols
| Document | Purpose |
| Guide health department staff in conducting and documenting investigations of measles cases |
USVI Case Investigation Form [US Virgin Islands Department of Health]
| Guide health department staff in conducting and documenting investigations of measles cases |
Texas Case Investigation Form [Texas Health and Human Services]
| Guide health department staff in conducting and documenting investigations of measles cases |
Clinical Guidance and Educational Materials
Overview: The following guidance and educational materials have been developed by CORI, CDC, state and local health departments to support providers and clinic administrators prepare for, recognize, and respond to measles.
Guidance Documents
| Document | Purpose |
| Pertussis Toolkit for Healthcare Providers [Hawaii Department of Health] | This toolkit includes a pertussis factsheet and flyer for patients, guidance for testing and infection control, links to videos and trainings, and vaccine information |
| Pertussis Infection Control Guidance [CDC] | Pertussis from the Infection Control in Healthcare Personnel: Epidemiology and Control of Selected Infections Transmitted Among Healthcare Personnel and Patients (2024) guideline. |
Key Information for the General Public
Factsheets
- Pertussis Fact Sheet [Maine Department of Health and Human Services]
- Pertussis Fact Sheet [New York State Department of Health]
- Tdap Vaccine Information [CDC]