More than 200 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported to
Maine CDC during 2011, far exceeding the number of reported cases in 2010 (53)
and the 10-year average of 82 cases per year.
The number of cases reported per
week during 2011 peaked at 21 in the second week of November, but decreased to 5
or fewer cases per week during December.
The majority of
reported pertussis infections occurred in Penobscot County (67%), but sporadic
infections occurred in other parts of the state. Clusters of pertussis occurred
in schools, camps, sport teams and workplaces.
Pertussis is caused by the bacteria Bordetella
pertussis and is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable, respiratory
disease that can last for many weeks. Pertussis is transmitted through direct
contact with respiratory secretions of infected persons who cough or breathe on
someone else. Classic pertussis symptoms include paroxysmal cough, whoop, and
posttussive vomiting. Pertussis can cause
serious illness and can even be life-threatening, especially in infants.
Maine CDC has worked extensively with
schools and communities to implement control measures and prevent disease
transmission. These efforts include numerous health communications to inform
medical providers, school officials, child care providers, and the public about
pertussis and how to prevent infections. Maine CDC collaborated with school
officials in two schools that experienced pertussis outbreaks to rapidly
organize and stand up pertussis vaccination clinics. Maine CDC also requested
assistance from US CDC to better understand the school outbreaks,
determine the effectiveness of pertussis booster vaccinations in preventing
disease transmission, and the acceptability of providing pertussis vaccine in
school settings during an outbreak.
Medical providers should continue to be on the lookout for
pertussis. Providers should also check the
vaccination status of their patients and make sure they are up to date for age
on pertussis vaccines.
- General information on pertussis can be found on the Maine CDC website or the US CDC website.
- For information about pertussis vaccine or vaccine schedules please contact the Maine Immunization program at www.immunizeme.org or by calling 1-800-867-4755.
- Maine CDC epidemiologists are available to answer any questions about pertussis diagnosis or management through the 24/7 disease reporting line at 1-800-821-5821.
