Amber Hartley
Possible Complications of Pertussis
- Convulsions and encephalopathy (These can also be complications of being immunised against pertussis, however they occur in lower frequency than after pertussis itself.)
- Pneumonia
- Atelectasis (reduction or absence of air in part or all of a lung, with resulting loss of lung volume)
- Rectal prolapse
- Inguinal hernia
- Cerebral anoxia, especially in young children
- Bronchiectasis
- dehydration
Prevention of Pertussis
- Fairly easily controlled, by isolation of affected individuals
- Immunisation is highly recommended, and usually very effective (90% in those who have 3 doses), but can wear off.
- Prophylactic erythromycin can be given to susceptible infants exposed to the disease
- Experts estimate that non-immunised family members living with someone suffering from pertussis have an 80% chance of contracting it themselves.
- After 3 weeks with pertussis symptoms, the sufferer is much less contagious. Usually, sufferers are considered to be completely non-contagious 6 weeks after first exhibiting pertussis symptoms.
- Asthmatics appear to be more susceptible to pertussis than non-asthmatics.
References
Kumar and Clark (2005), “Clinical Medicine.” 6th edition. Elsevier Saunders Publishing.
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-communic-factsheets-pertuss.htm
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/whooping_cough.html
http://www.who.int/immunization/topics/wer8004pertussis_Jan_2005.pdf
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