Topic: Whooping Cough

Subject: Epidemiology

Class: Post RN
Semester-III
 Whooping Cough
Introduction
whooping cough, is an extremely
contagious disease caused by
the Bordetella Pertussis bacterium.
These bacteria produce toxins that
paralyze parts of respiratory cells,
leading to inflammation in the
respiratory tract.
 Whooping Cough
Introduction
Immunization with DPT
(diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus)
Vaccine provides protection,
although that immunity may wear
off with age.
 Whooping Cough
Definition
A contagious bacterial disease
characterized by convulsive coughs
followed by a whoop. (dictionary.com)

Also known as "pertussis," is a highly

contagious, acute respiratory illness
characterized by fits of coughing and
caused by the bacteria “Bordetella
Pertussis”. (medicinenet.com)
 Whooping Cough
History
The first outbreaks of whooping cough
were described in the 16th century.

Bordetella pertussis was not identified

until 1906.

Estimated >250,000 deaths annually

worldwide
 Whooping Cough
Epidemiology
Distribution
• By Time: More in winter and spring.
• By Place: Overcrowding, Poor Hygiene,
Poor Nutrition.
• By Person:
• Age: Infants and preschool children are
at greater risk.
• Sex: Females are at more risk than
males.
 Whooping Cough
Epidemiology
Determinants
Primary:
• Bordetella Pertussis
• Bordetella Parapertussis
Secondary:
• Overcrowding
• Poor Hygiene
• Poor Nutrition
 Whooping Cough
Epidemiology
Frequency
• It occurs virtually in all countries of the
world. Since beginning of this century,
there has been marked drop in deaths
from Pertussis. In many parts of the
world, Pertussis is still a clinically
serious illness with high mortality and
complications rates. According to
WHO, 2.96 Lac People died of Pertussis
during the year 2000.
 Whooping Cough
Sign and Symptoms
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Red, watery cough
A mild Fever
Sneezing
 Whooping Cough
Sign and Symptoms
Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may:
Provoke vomiting
Result in a red or blue face
Cause extreme fatigue
End with a high-pitched "whoop"
sound during the next breath of air.
 Whooping Cough
Causes
Whooping cough is caused by
bacteria. When an infected person
coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden
droplets are sprayed into the air.
People nearby can become infected
by breathing in the droplets
 Whooping Cough
Risk Factors
The whooping cough vaccine you
receive as a child eventually wears off.

children aren't fully immune to

whooping cough until they've received
at least three shots, leaving those 6
months and younger at greatest risk.
 Whooping Cough
Complications
Bruised or cracked ribs.

Abdominal hernias.

Broken blood vessels in the skin or the

whites of your eyes.
 Whooping Cough
Complications in Infants

Pneumonia
Slowed or stopped breathing
Dehydration or weight loss due to
feeding difficulties
Seizures
Brain damage
 Whooping Cough
Clinical Features
Incubation Period:
7-10 days (can be as long up to 21 days)

Duration
Pertussis usually causes prolonged
symptoms 1 to 2 weeks of common
cold symptoms, followed by up to 3
months of severe coughing
 Whooping Cough
Clinical Features
Contagiousness:
Pertussis is highly contagious. The
bacteria spread from person to person
through tiny drops of fluid from an
infected person's nose or mouth.
Contagious Period
Around two weeks after the onset of the
coughing episodes. If antibiotic
treatment is given, the contagious
period is reduced to about five days.
 Whooping Cough
Tests and Diagnosis

A nose or throat culture test

Blood tests

A chest X-ray
 Whooping Cough
Vaccine
• Developed in mid-1930s and
combined as DPT in mid-1940s

• 70%-90% efficacy after 3 doses

• Protection for 5-10 years

 Whooping Cough
Vaccination Schedule

Dose Age
1st Dose 6 weeks
2nd Dose 10 weeks
3rd Dose 14 weeks
Booster Dose 20-23 months
 Whooping Cough
Treatment
Medications:

Hospitalization:
 Whooping Cough
Lifestyle And Home Remedies
Get plenty of rest

Drink plenty of fluids

Eat smaller meals

Clean the air

Prevent transmission
 Whooping Cough
Conclusion
Of all respiratory illness infections,
pertussis is unique. B. pertussis
cough illness occurs without
inflammation unless there is a
concomitant or secondary bacterial
or viral infection.
major priority today should be the
development of new vaccines