7/31/2019 Whooping Cough Advisory Information
1/1
TTTooowwwnnnooofffDDDaaarrriiieeennn David Knauf, MPH, MS,
RSDirector of Health
e-mail:[email protected]
Barrington Bogle, MPH, RS, CHES
Assistant Director of Health
e-mail:[email protected] 17, 2012
From: Caleb Moore, MD,Medical Advisor, Darien Health
Department
Pertussis in Darien
In reviewing collected data from the Darien Department of
Health, we find that there have been20 reported cases of pertussis
(Whooping Cough) in town since 2008. Officially, that is 4 casesper
21,000 people. At first glance that may not seem to be a high
number of cases; however,according to the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC), data from 2009 reports that the nationalincidence of
pertussis is 1.1 per 21,000 people.
So what does that mean to us? Can we conclude that there is a
pertussis outbreak in Darien?Maybe, maybe not. There are many
potential explanations for the increase in reported casessuch as
better diagnosis and reporting, and greater access to health care.
What we can concludehowever is that pertussis is very much present
here in town.
A little history regarding Pertussis:Pre-1940, there were
approximately 200,000 cases diagnosed in the United States per
year.However, with the advent of the pertussis vaccine, that number
dropped to approximately 1000cases per year by 1970. Given the
morbidity and mortality of whooping cough, the vaccine wasa
significant break though. However, in 2005, the Center for Disease
Control shows that there
were approximately 25,000 cases in the United States, which
clearly indicates a resurgence ofthis disease.
Why would that be?There are several theories as to why. The
primary concern is that the antibodies derived from thechildhood
vaccination disappear as patients mature into adulthood. If so, the
solution to theproblem is quite easy. Adults need boosters. Another
variable is the drop in childhood vaccinationrates due to concerns
regarding vaccines and a lack of awareness about the implications
of thedisease itself.
What should we do?
Per the CDC, it is recommended that adults receive one pertussis
booster during their lifetime.This is particularly important for
adults in families where there are babies and infants who
areparticularly susceptible to the disease. They also recommend
that children receive their vaccinesvia the DTAP series.
By receiving your booster shot, not only will you protect
yourself, you protect those around youwho might be more
susceptible.
To update your pertussis vaccines and to learn more, speak with
your local physician.
TOWN HALL, 2 RENSHAW ROAD DARIEN, CONNECTICUT 06820-5397 FAX:
203-656-7486 PHONE: 203-656-7320
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
