8/18/10: We are currently experiencing an epidemic of whooping cough (Pertussis) in California. The epidemic was officially declared on June 18, and we are now on pace to suffer the most illness and death due to pertussis in over 50 years.

As of August 17, California had recorded 3076 cases of pertussis in 2010, a 7-fold increase from the same period last year when 434 cases were recorded.

Eight infants have died of the disease this year. Seven of them were under two months of age, and had not received any doses of the vaccine. One was a 2-month old premie who had just received just one dose. The majority of infant cases of pertussis have occured in infants under 3 months of age.

Should you worry?

Young babies are at the highest risk, especially those too young to be immunized. This includes babies less than six months old, before all three primary doses of the vaccine are received. Since they aren’t well-protected yet, babies under six months are more likely to catch pertussis; and since they are so young, they also have more serious complications if they do catch it.

The good news

You can minimize your family’s risk. We have a great way to help prevent pertussis: a safe and effective vaccine! If your child is over six months and is up to date with the vaccine, don’t worry – chances are, she has good protection against this disease. If your baby is under six months, you can also dramatically lower her risk by making sure everyone else in the family is protected by having all of their pertussis vaccines as well.

The Pertussis vaccines – for teens and adults too

We routinely give the DTaP vaccine, which includes pertussis, at two, four, and six months of age, with booster doses at 18 months and 4-6 years. Because of the epidemic, we are now moving up the schedule to 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, with boosters at age 1 and 4 years. And for the past five years, we’ve also been giving Tdap – the “adult” version, also called Adacel or Boostrix – at age 11. This vaccine is recommended as a one-time booster for everyone age 11 and up, including adults. And it’s especially important for all parents of young infants to have this protection!

My child has a terrible cough – does she have pertussis?

If you are worried that your child may have pertussis – with a bad cough, or a long-lasting one – call us for an appointment. Like a rash, it’s not something easy to evaluate over the phone. We will need to examine your child, and talk to you about the symptoms, to help us decide whether or not pertussis is something to be concerned about.

For more information:

• Pertussis Q&A from the CDC -- more detailed information about the disease and prevention
• Bayside's Pertussis Poster you'll see this poster up in our offices -- to remind you about the importance of immunization.
• Pertussis Flyer for Parents from the CDC and the California Department of Public Health
• Pertussis Flyer for Parents, SPANISH