Pertussis

Question 1

How would you explain pertussis to a 1st year nursing student?

Answer 1

A highly contagious bacterial infection also known as whooping cough, characterized by severe coughing fits.

Question 2

Which bacteria causes most pertussis infections?

Answer 2

Bordetella pertussis.

Question 3

Explain how pertussis is transmitted.

Answer 3

Spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Question 4

The unfortunate part of pertussis is its incubation period; explain.

Answer 4

The time between exposure to the bacteria and the onset of symptoms, usually around 7 to 10 days.

Question 5

This infectious disease is characterized by a persistent cough, coughing fits, a “whooping” sound during inhalation, and sometimes vomiting after coughing.

Answer 5

Pertussis otherwise known as Whooping Cough.

Question 6

Where does “Whooping Cough” get its name from?
Pertussis infections.

Answer 6

A whooping sound is heard during coughing fits.

Question 7

At what age do people get pertussis vaccinations?

Answer 7

2, 4, 6, 18 months
4, 9 years

Question 8

What are the stages of pertussis infections?

Answer 8

Stage 1 - catarrhal stage, 1-2 weeks, cold-like symptoms

Stage 2 - paroxysmal cough stage - 3-6 weeks, coughing fits with characteristic whooping sound

Stage 3 - convalescent stage - >6 weeks, coughing spasms linger

Question 9

What is the gold-standard test for pertussis?

Answer 9

Nasopharyngeal swab PCR test.

Question 10

What is the first-line antimicrobial for pertussis?

Answer 10

Azithromycin

Question 11

What populations require prophylactic antibiotics if exposed to pertussis?

Answer 11

1. Infants and young children, particularly <6 months
2. Immunocompromised people
3. People who are residing in the same home or working in daycare centres with prolonged exposure