Infectious Agent:
Bordetella pertussis ( Gram Negative Bacillus, capsulated or non- capsulated produces Exotoxin and Endotoxin)
Mode of Transmission:
- Direct contact
- Droplets
Stages of Whooping cough:
- Catarrhal stage:
In the early catarrhal stage, pertussis
is highly contagious, with a secondary attack rate of
up to 90% among non-immune household contacts.
Untreated patients may transmit the infection for
three weeks or more following the onset of typical
coughing attacks, although communicability. - Paroxysmal stage:
The paroxysmal stage is marked
by more frequent and spasmodic coughing, and it
is during this stage when the classic whoop can be
heard (but not always present). - Convalescent stage:
The convalescent stage is
marked by less frequent and less severe coughing.
Incubation period:
3-12 days
Infective stage:
Catarrhal stage
Infective material:
- Nasopharyngeal and bronchial secretions- Droplet infection and Direct contact.
- Freshly contaminated fomites.
sign and symptoms:
- vomiting.
- Headache.
- blue or purple skin around the mouth.
- dehydration.
- low-grade fever.
- breathing difficulties.
Complication:
- Hernia.
- weight loss.
- pneumonia – an infection of the lungs.
- fits (seizures).
- kidney problems.
- brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain.
- death – although this is very rare.
Preventative measures:
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hand and use sanitizer.
- Use Mask ( Masks help to stop the spread of droplet)
Treatment:
Diphtheria (DPT) vaccine.