Investigation of a Family Cluster of Pertussis Infection in Kaohsiung City, early 2013

Chia-Wen Cheng, Shu-Hua Huang, Min-Nan Hung, Chiou-Yueh You, Chao-Cing Chang

2013 Vol.29 NO.11

Correspondence Author： Chia-Wen Cheng

Abstract：

       Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable respiratory disease with high virulence. Clinically, it is not easy to identify because its initial symptoms are similar to influenza. When cases are reported, contacts usually have already been infected, resulting in outbreaks. On January 30, 2013, Kaohsiung City reported a suspected case of pertussis in a 2-month-old boy. After pertussis was confirmed on February 7, the Fifth Branch of Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and the Health Bureau implemented prevention measures. The investigation revealed that his mother had cough since December 26, 2012. She had three medical consultations and was treated as having a common cold each time. Her nasal swab collected as part of contact screening was Bordetella pertussis positive, and was confirmed as a case of pertussis. This family outbreak of pertussis was caused by transmission from mother to son.