Pertussis can be spread through a sneeze or cough.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is highly contagious during the first weeks of infection. It is spread through droplets from the nose and throat. So a simple sneeze or cough, or even talking up close, could lead to exposure. This is why, when a source is identified, about 75% of babies contract pertussis from a family member, with half of reported cases coming from the parents.1,6
Your baby could be at risk
Children who have not been completely vaccinated for pertussis are at a greater risk of contracting the disease. But even if your baby received the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, they are not fully protected from pertussis until their third or fourth dose. This means they may be vulnerable to the disease up until 18 months of age.6,7
Pertussis vaccination chart
Pertussis is still a major problem.
While many childhood diseases have been nearly eliminated by vaccinations, pertussis is still a major problem.4 Since the early 1980's, the disease has made a significant comeback.3 In 2007, more than 10,000 cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.11
Startling statistics about pertussis:
- In 2007, 10 deaths from pertussis were reported5
- 72% of babies younger than 6 months of age reported to have pertussis are hospitalized3
- 1 in 10 children reported to have pertussis also have pneumonia4
- Pertussis affects the brain in 1 out of 250 reported cases4
- 1 in 50 children reported to have pertussis will have seizures or convulsions4
- 84% of reported pertussis deaths are among babies under 6 months of age4
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