Pertussis infections rising

Advisory Alert

Assessment and testing requirements

October 18, 2024

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To: Local Health System Partners

FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

Public Health Sudbury & Districts continues to see a high incidence of pertussis infections and community exposures within our service area, in keeping with the current global outbreak of pertussis. We are reminding health care providers of the importance of active screening and testing to prevent disease transmission and outbreaks. Information on the clinical assessment of pertussis and immunization was shared in an Advisory Alert on July 18, 2024. Immunization remains important for the prevention of illness.

Clinical assessment of pertussis

Pertussis can initially mirror a mild respiratory infection. It is only sometimes 2-3 weeks into the disease course that classic symptoms such as an inspiratory whoop, gagging, or vomiting present. When assessing patients for pertussis, particularly those with mild symptoms, patient risk factors should be considered such as immunization status, travel history, and exposure to other infected persons.

Testing

If pertussis is suspected based on symptoms and/or exposure, please follow testing requirements in the Public Health Ontario Laboratory Test Information Index, and request that patients isolate until results are received. Always test before you treat.

To order Bordetella Pertussis collection Kit #: 390052, see the Public Health Ontario Laboratory Kit and Test Ordering Instructions.

Immunization

Refer to the Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule (Government of Ontario) to recommend that your clients, especially young children, receive all necessary immunizations based on their age and other eligibility criteria and requirements.

Reporting diseases of public health significance

Vaccine preventable diseases and other diseases of public health significance are reportable. If you suspect or are testing for pertussis, patients should be reported to Public Health by faxing or emailing the reporting form (PDF) to 705.677.9618 or HPT_FAX_confidential@phsd.ca, in addition to calling the number below, as applicable.

If you have any questions, please contact the Control of Infectious Disease Program at 705.522.9200, ext. 772 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or after-hours and on weekends at 705.688.4366.

Sincerely,

Original Signed By

Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC
Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer

NOTE: All Advisory Alerts are found on our website.

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This item was last modified on October 18, 2024