Pertussis

Question 1

Pertussis is also known as ________.

Answer 1

Whooping cough

Question 2

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by a bacterium, _________.

Answer 2

Bordetella pertussis.

Question 3

The incubation period of pertussis is commonly __ to ___ days.

Answer 3

7 to 10 days

Question 4

What are the 3 stages of pertussis?

Answer 4

1. Catarrhal stage
2. Paroxysmal stage
3. Convalescent stage

Question 5

This stage of pertussis can last 1–2 weeks and includes a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough (all similar symptoms to the common cold).

Answer 5

Catarrhal stage

Question 6

This stage of pertussis usually lasts 1–6 weeks, but can persist for up to 10 weeks. The characteristic symp- tom is a burst, or paroxysm, of numerous, rapid coughs. At the end of the cough paroxysm, the pa- tient can suffer from a long inhaling effort that is characterized by a high-pitched whoop (hence the name, “whooping cough”). Infants and young chil- dren often appear very ill and distressed, and may turn blue and vomit. “Whooping” does not necessar- ily have to accompany the cough.

Answer 6

Paroxysmal stage

Question 7

This stage of pertussis usually lasts 2–6 weeks, but may last for months. Although the cough usually disap- pears after 2–3 weeks, paroxysms may recur when- ever the patient suffers any subsequent respiratory infection. The disease is usually milder in adolescents and adults, consisting of a persistent cough similar to that found in other upper respiratory infections. However, these individuals are still able to transmit the disease to others, including unimmunized or in- completely immunized infants.

Answer 7

Convalescent stage

Question 8

Who is most likely to die from pertussis?

Answer 8

Infants 6 months of age and younger

Question 9

The most common complication of pertussis is _________, which is the cause of most pertussis-related deaths.

Answer 9

Secondary bacterial infection

Question 10

Antibiotics are necessary in treating pertussis cases. The drug of choice is usually a form of ______ that is also given to all household and other close contacts of the patient to minimize transmission, regardless of age and vaccination status.

Answer 10

Erythromycin

Question 11

People with pertussis are most infectious during the ____ period and during the first two weeks after onset of the cough (approximately 21 days).

Answer 11

Catarrhal

Question 12

Since 1991, which type of pertussis vaccine has been used in the US?
A. Acellular
B. Whole cellular

Answer 12

A. Acellular

Question 13

What type of vaccine is the DTP vaccine?

Answer 13

Inactivated (this is why multiple doses are needed to provide immunity).

Question 14

Pregnant women should receive this vaccine once during each pregnancy.

Answer 14

Tdap

Question 15

DTaP can be given to infants and children ages ____.

Question 16

True or false: DTaP, DT, Tdap, and Td are all administered intramuscularly (IM).

Answer 16

True

Question 17

How many doses of DTaP are given to infants and when?

Answer 17

4 dose series: 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months

Booster given between age 4-6

Question 18

Booster doses of Td should be given every ____ years.

Answer 18

Every 10 years

Question 19

When should a pregnant woman receive the Tdap vaccine?

Answer 19

Between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation.