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Complete Indicator Report of Pertussis CasesDefinitionFor surveillance purposes, pertussis is a cough illness lasting at least 2 weeks with one of the following: paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory "whoop," or post-tussive vomiting, with or without laboratory evidence of infection.NumeratorNumber of pertussis cases reported in Utah (including cases identified in outbreak settings).DenominatorTotal Utah population per year.Why Is This Important?Pertussis is a contagious, bacterial, respiratory disease. Although pertussis may be a mild disease in older children and adults, these infected people may transmit the disease to other susceptible persons, including unimmunized or incompletely immunized infants. Young infants are at highest risk for acquiring pertussis and pertussis-associated complications, such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.Although not common, pertussis can cause death, especially in children under 1 year of age. Most children are protected against pertussis by vaccination during childhood; however immunity wanes over time and leaves adolescents and adults unprotected. National figures from 2011 indicate that infants aged less than 1 year, who are at greatest risk for severe disease and death, continue to have the highest reported rate of pertussis. Adolescents (aged 11 to 19 years) and adults (aged 20+ years) accounted for approximately 47% of reported cases in 2011, with persons aged 7-10 years contributing a significant proportion of cases (18%). In 2005, the FDA approved Tdap, a pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults. The rate of pertussis decreased in years following approval of Tdap. However, since 2009, Utah rates of pertussis have been on the rise, and there is new evidence indicating that duration of immunity from the Tdap booster lasts around 2 years, which is less than originally was expected. Healthy People Objective IID-1:Reduce, eliminate, or maintain elimination of cases of vaccine-preventable diseasesU.S. Target: Not applicable, see subobjectives in this category Other ObjectivesHealthy People 2020 IID-1 sub-objectives related to pertussis:- IID-1.6: Reduce, eliminate, or maintain elimination of cases of vaccine-preventable diseases: Pertussis (children under age 1 year) U.S. Target: 2,500 cases State Target: 31 cases per year - IID-1.7: Reduce, eliminate, or maintain elimination of cases of vaccine-preventable diseases: Pertussis among adolescents aged 11 to 18 years U.S. Target: 2,000 cases State Target: 58 cases per year How Are We Doing?Pertussis has been on the rise in Utah steadily since 2009, with a notable increase in cases beginning in 2011. Preliminary 2012 data indicate that pertussis activity reached pre-vaccine era rates (>40 cases per 100,000). There are several factors that may be contributing to the increase of pertussis rates in recent years, including: actual increases in disease occurrence, better laboratory tests, increased recognition by clinicians, the cyclical nature of pertussis peaking every 5-6 years, waning immunity of the adult booster Tdap around 2 years after the vaccine is given, and the higher risk of infection with pertussis in individuals who are not vaccinated (they have an eightfold greater risk if exposed).In 2005, Tdap, a new pertussis vaccine licensed for people aged 11 to 64 years, was approved by the FDA. Tdap is effective at preventing pertussis, but its protective effect may not last as long as it was originally thought. Current evidence indicates immunity for a minimum of 2 years after receiving the Tdap vaccine. Recommendations for Tdap are currently that adults and children between the ages of 7 and 64 years should receive one lifetime dose. Recent outbreaks across the country in California in 2011 and in Washington State in 2012 have prompted an in-depth investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the duration of immunity of Tdap and to propose new recommendations for dosing. Preliminary incidence rates for Utah in 2012 show a statewide rate of 48.1 cases per 100,000 person-years, more than double the incidence rate of 2011 which was 22.9 cases per 100,000 person-years. The preliminary age breakdown of cases of pertussis in Utah during 2012 shows that 58% of cases were in children aged 14 years and younger. Incidence rates were highest in infants less than 1 year of age and children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. How Do We Compare With U.S.?Throughout the 1990s and up through 2004 (with the exception of 1998, when a statewide outbreak of pertussis occurred in Utah), the rate of pertussis in Utah mirrored national trends. Utah pertussis rates began to climb in 2005, and in 2006 Utah had a rate of pertussis nearly six times the national average. However, in Utah a substantial decrease in the rate of pertussis occurred in 2007 and continued to decline to near the U.S. average in 2008. Pertussis began to increase again in 2009 with rates remaining above the national average. Preliminary 2012 data shows national rates to be double what they were in 2011, which is the same trend seen in Utah. However, Utah rates have been substantially higher than national rates since 2011.What Is Being Done?Surveillance data are used to identify persons or areas in which additional efforts are required to reduce disease incidence. Surveillance data help to promptly identify outbreaks in which prophylaxis (treatment to prevent or mitigate disease) of contacts can help limit the spread of disease. Surveillance data are also used in evaluating vaccination policies at the state level.Childhood immunization is the most effective weapon against pertussis infection. The UDOH Immunization Program works with parents, physicians, and local health departments to provide immunization histories for all children under age 2 years and remind parents when vaccinations are due. The adult pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is recommended for adolescents aged 7 to 18 years. Also, routine use of a single dose of Tdap for adults 19 to 64 years of age is recommended to replace the next booster dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td). Tdap is also recommended for adults who have close contact with infants less than 1 year of age. Per Communicable Disease Rule R386-702-3, health care providers and laboratories are required to report suspected cases of pertussis to the Bureau of Epidemiology or the local health department within 3 business days of identification. The Bureau of Epidemiology assists local health departments with the investigation of cases and implementation of control measures to prevent further cases. The Bureau of Epidemiology conducts ongoing statewide surveillance of pertussis cases. Available ServicesPublic health clinics and private provider offices offer vaccine to adults, adolescents, and children in their communities.For general information about immunizations please call the UDOH Immunization Program at 1-800-275-0659 or visit us at our web site: www.immunize-utah.org. Related IndicatorsRelevant Population CharacteristicsAlthough pertussis affects all populations, the majority of cases in Utah and the U.S. are seen in children less 14 years of age. Adolescents and adults generally have milder symptoms often without the characteristic "whoop" that alerts clinicians to the possibility of pertussis. Because of this, pertussis is most likely highly under-detected and under-reported in older age groups. Infants and young children are more likely to be accurately diagnosed with pertussis because they tend to have more severe symptoms and often suffer complications. A major source of pertussis infection in infants and young children is an older sibling, adult caregiver (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.).Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicator Reports:Related Health Care System Factors Indicator Reports:Risk FactorsYoung infants are at the highest risk for clinical disease and complications (pneumonia and encephalitis).Related Risk Factors Indicator Reports:Related Health Status Outcomes Indicator Reports:Graphical Data ViewsNumber of Reported Pertussis Cases per 100,000 Person-Years, Utah and U.S., 2002-2011
Record Count: 20
Data NotesThe U.S. rates are derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports. The Utah rates are derived from Utah annual surveillance reports.Data SourcesUtah Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology. Population Estimates: National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) through a collaborative agreement with the U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Pertussis Cases by Local Health District, Utah, 2005-2011
Record Count: 13
Data SourcesUtah Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology. Population Estimates: National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) through a collaborative agreement with the U.S. Census Bureau.Number of Reported Pertussis Cases by Age and Year, Utah, 2002-2011
Record Count: 70
Data NotesData calculated using Utah Department of Health NETSS database (National Electronic Telecommunication System for Surveillance) and NEDSS database (National Electronic Disease Surveillance System).Data SourcesUtah Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology.References and Community Resourceshttp://health.utah.gov/epi/index.html"Guidelines for the Control of Pertussis Outbreaks" http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pertussis-guide/guide.htm More Resources and LinksEvidence-based community health improvement ideas and interventions may be found at the following sites:
Additional indicator data by state and county may be found on these Websites:
Medical literature can be queried at the PubMed website. For an on-line medical dictionary, click on this Dictionary link.
Page Content Updated On 02/25/2013,
Published on 02/26/2013
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