25/03/2024
: also known as whooping cough,
is a highly contagious bacterial disease. It is highly contagious in the early catarrhal stage, before paroxysmal cough. Incubation period is usually 7 days but it ranges from 5 to 15 days.
CAUSE
Bordetella pertussis bacteria
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Acquired primarily through direct contact with discharges from respiratory mucus membranes of infected persons (The bacteria may be spread through droplets and indirect contact with articles freshly soiled with the discharges of infected persons.)
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Cough persisting 2 or more weeks
• Fits of coughing
• Cough followed by vomiting
TREATMENT
Antibiotics may shorten the period of communicability from 7 days after exposure to 3 weeks after onset of typical paroxysms to only 5-7 days after onset therapy.
PREVENTION
Three primary immunization doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine) confer immunity to pertussis. Booster doses are recommended to be given after 1 year old, 4-6 years old, and at 11 years old.
The 5-in-1 vaccine, also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine, is one of the first vaccines that your baby will have. It's a single injection which protects them against five serious childhood diseases.
These five illnesses are diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b).
This Penta/5-in-1 immunization is available in health centers nationwide.
