Advisories
Provider Update 8-16-10
Pertussis Update: Local Incidence and Vaccination Opportunities
As the number of pertussis cases in San Luis Obispo County and across the state continues to rise, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Officer would like to share the following information about case rates, Tdap screening and Free Tdap clinics with providers
Please click this link to read the entire Provider update and view information regarding the upcoming clinics.
Provider Update 7-29-10
Pertussis: State Recommends Vaccine for All Age-Groups
As the number of pertussis cases in San Luis Obispo continues to rise, the California Department of Public Health along with local Health Officials emphasize that the key to controlling Whooping Cough is vaccination. As of July 21, the County’s Public Health Department has received reports of 269 confirmed, probable and suspect cases. According to the California Department of Public Health, this puts our county in the top two for numbers of pertussis cases. Only Marin County has reported more cases.
Please click on this link to read the entire Provider Update
Provider Update 7-9-10
Large numbers of pertussis cases continue to be reported in San Luis Obispo County, representing a significant outbreak in our jurisdiction. In the face of this intense outbreak in San Luis Obispo County, it is recommended that the following actions be taken:
- Post the alert (found at the link).
- Adopt universal immunization with pertussis-containing vaccine for children and adults.
- Use an accelerated infant DTaP schedule.
- Use Tdap off-label for administration to persons >64 years old who are at high risk for transmission to infants.
- Vaccinate pregnant women in their third trimester.
Provider Update 6-24-10
Pertussis cases in San Luis Obispo County continue to rise, with 190 confirmed, probable or suspected cases reported to the Public Health Department as of June24th. There have been two infants hospitalized with pertussis during this outbreak.
We ask your help in protecting those most vulnerable to pertussis: infants and children. At this time, the Public Health Department (PHD) recommends an accelerated vaccination schedule for infants. The CDC recommends using this schedule in outbreak situations, due to its potential to decrease morbidity in infants between 14 weeks and six months of age. The table following this message shows an accelerated schedule. To read more, please click this link.
Health Care Provider Update 6-8-10
Large numbers of pertussis cases in San Luis Obispo County continue to be reported to the Public Health Department, with 88 confirmed cases reported as of June 7 th , and an additional 38 suspected or probable cases . This represents a significant outbreak in our jurisdiction, with only 19 cases having been reported over the prior two years in SLO County. To date, one infant has been hospitalized, with no deaths in our County due to the current outbreak.
Clinician Advisory - 5-13-2010
Cases of Pertussis continue to be reported to the Public Health Department. To date, we have had eight (8) lab confirmed cases, and many more probable cases reported. Although cases have primarily been reported in North County, South County is starting to see cases as well.
Clinician Advisory - 5-13-2010 SPANISH
Clinician Advisory - 5-4-2010
Includes notice regarding travel to Haiti
General Information
Pertussis is Peaking - Flyer from the CDPH, Immunization Branch
Consider the diagnosis of pertussis in your patients and their close contacts
Young infants:
The diagnosis of pertussis is often delayed or missed because of a deceivingly mild onset of runny nose. There usually is no fever. Cough may be undetectable or mild. Illness may present as apnea, hypoxia or seizures. After a few days, mild illness may suddenly transform into respiratory distress. A white blood cell count of >20,000 cells/mm3 with >50% lymphocytes is a strong indication of pertussis.
Adolescents and adults:
Most cases are not diagnosed. A misdiagnosis of bronchitis or asthma is common. The patient may report of episodes of a choking sensation or of sweating. Leukocytosis/lymphocytosis is not likely to occur in this population.
To read more, click here .
Pertussis Quicksheet - Includes clinical case definition, symptoms, treatment and more.
Pertussis Case Report Form - Needed in addition to Confidential Morbidity Report
Pertussis Guidelines - CDPH guidelines for the investigation and control of pertussis cases and outbreaks