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HerbsMed.com
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An Alternative Medicine Network |
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| Common Illness
Amebiasis |
Pertussis (whooping cough) What is pertussis? Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. Who gets pertussis? Pertussis can occur at any age. Seventy-five percent of reported cases occur in children under five years of age and 50 percent of these are in children under one year of age. How is pertussis spread? Pertussis is primarily spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected individuals. Frequently, older siblings who may be harboring the bacteria in their nose and throat can bring the disease home and infect an infant in the household. What are the symptoms of pertussis?
Mild Upper Respiratory Infection How soon after infection do symptoms appear? The incubation period is usually five to 10 days but may be as long as 21 days. When and for how long is a person able to spread pertussis? A person can transmit pertussis from seven days following exposure to three weeks after the onset of coughing episodes. The period of communicability is reduced to between five and seven days when antibiotic therapy is begun. Does past infection with pertussis make a person immune? One attack usually confers prolonged immunity. What are the complications associated with pertussis? Complications of pertussis may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss of appetite, dehydration, seizures, encephalopathy (disorders of the brain), apneicepisodes (brief cessation of breathing) and death. What is the vaccine for pertussis? The vaccine for pertussis is usually given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine be given at two, four, six and 15 months of age and between four and six years of age. What can be done to prevent the spread of pertussis? The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible level of immunization in the community. Treatment of cases with certain antibiotics such as erythromycin can shorten the contagious period. People who have or may have pertussis should stay away from young children and infants until properly treated.
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