Guidelines
Pertussis

Pertussis

Report to Public Health

Droplet / Contact Precautions

  • Droplet/Contact precautions for 5 days after the initiation of effective therapy, or if appropriate antimicrobial therapy is not given, until 3 weeks after onset of cough.
  • High index of suspicion in unimmunized infants who may not have classic cough; may present with apneas
  • NP swab for Bordetella pertussis PCR (NOT throat swab)
  • Decreased sensitivity if cough >3 weeks, antibiotics >5 days, or patient previously immunized
  • Recommend ID consult if severe disease, or if pertussis clinically suspected but testing negative

Common Pathogen

Empiric Treatment Neonates

Empiric Treatment Infants and Older Children

OR

OR

Not preferred due to risk of side effects, limited availability of suspension

Duration of Therapy

5 days

More Information

AAP Red Book 2018