Pertussis is a bacterial respiratory infection which progresses slowly and is highly contagious. The number of pertussis cases has sharply declined since the vaccine was introduced. Nevertheless, the bacteria continues to circulate because the vaccine, like the disease, does not afford life-long protection. The affected populations are infants, who are too young to be vaccinated, and adolescents and adults who have lost the protection afforded by the vaccine or the disease.
Transmission is aerial, by contact with an ill subject (coughing). It occurs essentially within the family or within group settings.
There have been changes since the last HCSP (French High Council of public health) recommendations in September 2008, notably regarding the epidemiological situation, with the emergence of a new epidemic cycle in 2012-2013 and the introduction of new diagnosis techniques.
The vaccination recommendations have also changed in line with the changes to the infant and child immunisation schedule and the introduction of boosters in adults in professional settings and as part of cocooning (parents and grandparents).
These facts warrant an update to these recommendations.
This guide presents the current epidemiological situation, provides a reminder of the clinical manifestations of pertussis, diagnosis and treatment details, and means of prevention.
It details the procedures to be followed when faced with pertussis case(s), their close contacts, particularly at-risk persons. The measures to be taken when one or more cases occur in group settings such as maternity wards, daycare centres, schools and healthcare centres, are also specified.
- Recommendation
- Europe
- France
- Pertussis
