Pertussis for Health Care Providers

Pertussis poster for clinician officesThe Health Department has alerted health care providers about an increase in the number of pertussis cases.

Providers are asked to maintain a high index of suspicion for pertussis for clinical diagnosis, testing, treating, providing prophylaxis, and to report cases to the Health Department.


Guidelines for Managing Pertussis

Diagnosis

Consider pertussis in your differential diagnosis when patients show clinical symptoms.

Laboratory Testing

Testing for B. pertussis is available at the Health Department Laboratory.

Request VDH Kit #5 for proper collection and transport materials. Culture testing (no charge) or culture/PCR testing ($36) can be requested. Culture results are available within seven days of receipt at the Health Department Laboratory, and PCR is performed on Mondays and Thursdays.

Treatment

Stop Transmission

Vaccines

Pertussis Health Advisories

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