Pertussis, 2019

In 2019, 469 pertussis cases (8 per 100,000 population) were reported. Laboratory confirmation was available for 320 (73%) cases, 36 (11%) of which were confirmed by culture and 284 (89%) of which were confirmed by PCR. In addition, 66 (21%) cases met the clinical case definition and were epidemiologically linked to laboratory confirmed cases, and 37 (12%) met the clinical case definition only. Two hundred thirty-five (50%) cases occurred in residents of the metropolitan area.

Paroxysmal coughing was the most commonly reported symptom, which 432 (92%) cases experienced. Approximately one third (138) reported whooping. Although commonly 14 DCN 47;1 2021 referred to as “whooping cough,” very young children, older individuals, and persons previously immunized may not have the typical “whoop”. Post-tussive vomiting was reported in 206 (44%) cases. Infants and young children are at the highest risk for severe disease and complications. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 17 (4%) cases, only 3 (18%) of which were in infants; 3 (18%) were 2 to 16 years old, 9 (53%) were 20 to 70 years old. Eleven (2%) cases were hospitalized; 1 hospitalized patient was <6 months of age. One death occurred.

Pertussis is increasingly recognized in older children and adults. During 2019, cases ranged in age from <1 month to 92 years. Eighty-six (18%) cases occurred in adolescents 13-17 years, 149 (32%) in children 5-12 years, 109 (23%) in adults ≥18 years, 80 (17%) in children 6 months through 4 years, and 15 (5%) in infants <6 months of age. The median age of cases was 11 years. Infection in older children and adults may result in exposure of unprotected infants. During 2019, 16 cases were in infants <1 year of age. A likely source of exposure was identified for all of those cases; 2 were infected by adults ≥18 years, 2 by an adolescent 13-17 years, 12 by a child <13 years. ACIP recommends vaccination of women at ≥20 weeks gestation during each pregnancy in an effort to protect young infants. Ensuring up-to-date vaccination of children, adolescents, and adults, especially those in contact with young children is also important. Vaccinating adolescents and adults with Tdap will decrease the incidence of pertussis in the community and thereby minimize infant exposures.

Although unvaccinated children are at highest risk for pertussis, fully immunized children may also develop disease, particularly as the number of years since vaccination increase. Disease in those previously immunized is usually mild. Efficacy for currently licensed DTaP vaccines is estimated to be 71-84% in preventing typical disease within the first 3 years of completing the series. Waning immunity sharply increases at 7 years of age, and most are susceptible by 11-12 years of age when Tdap booster is recommended. Recent studies suggest that immunity wanes sharply 2 years from receipt of Tdap. Of the 112 (24%) cases who were 7 months to 6 years of age, 44 (40%) were known to have received at least a primary series of 3 doses of DTP/ DTaP vaccine prior to onset of illness; 66 (59%) received fewer than 3 doses and were considered preventable cases.

Reporting rules require clinical isolates of Bordetella pertussis be submitted to the PHL in order to track changes in circulating strains. Isolates for 33 (79%) culture-confirmed cases were received and sub-typed, with four distinct PFGE patterns identified. Nationally, isolates have had low minimum inhibitory concentrations (falling within the reference range for susceptibility) to erythromycin and azithromycin. Only 11 erythromycin-resistant B. pertussis cases have been identified in the United States.

Laboratory tests should be performed on all suspected cases. However, B. pertussis is rarely identified late in the illness; therefore, a negative culture does not rule out disease. A positive PCR result is considered confirmatory in patients with a 2-week history of cough illness. PCR can detect non-viable organisms. Consequently, a positive PCR result does not necessarily indicate current infectiousness. Patients with a 3-week or longer history of cough illness, regardless of PCR result, may not benefit from antibiotic therapy. Whenever possible, culture should be done in conjunction with PCR testing. Serological tests may be useful for those with coughs >2 weeks.

Pertussis remains endemic despite an effective vaccine and high coverage rates with the primary series. Reported incidence of pertussis has consistently increased over the past 10 years, particularly in middle school-aged children, adolescents, and adults.

• Find up to date information at>> Pertussis
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2019