Whooping cough

Question 1

For whooping cough, state:

• What it is caused by
• Incubation period

Answer 1

• Serious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis (B.pertussis)

Incubation period:
• 6 – 20 days

Question 2

For whooping cough, state:

- How it is spread

Answer 2

• Transmitted by large droplet infection or direct contact with discharges from respiratory mucous membranes of those infected
• Adults and adolescents often a source of infection for infants

Question 3

For whooping cough, state:

- General signs and symptoms in children and newborns (6)

Answer 3

• Starts like a cold with blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a mild fever and occasional cough
• Cough worsens and severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing develop
• Coughing bouts can be followed by vomiting, choking or taking a big gasping breath which causes a ‘whooping’ sound
• The cough can last for many weeks and can be worse at night
• Some newborns may not cough at all but stop breathing completely and turn blue
• Other babies have difficulty feeding or choke and gag

Question 4

For whooping cough, state:

- Complications/ signs in babies (6)

Answer 4

• Apnoea
• Pneumonia
• Frequent vomiting
• Feeding problems
• Seizures or brain damage if reduced oxygen supply to the brain
• Very low blood pressure

Question 5

For whooping cough, state:

• Vaccinations as prevention (3)
• Treatment (3)

Answer 5

• Immunisation at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, 4 and 12 years of age
• Boosters are recommended for new parents, adults and health care staff working with young children
• Cover nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing

Treatment:
• Antibiotics if diagnosed early
• Stay home until the first 5 days of antibiotic treatment has been taken
• Unimmunised childcare attendees may be excluded from childcare unless they take antibiotics