Welcome to the Pertussis Information Center, your source for information about pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough). The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) created the Pertussis Information Center to help parents and health care providers understand why whooping cough has been on the rise in the U.S. and learn how to prevent this infectious disease.

*NEW* State of California Declares Whooping Cough/Pertussis Epidemic

(Posted 7/2/10) The California Department of Health has declared a pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic in the state, after more than 900 cases have been reported and five infants less than three months of age have died.  Health officials are strongly urging anyone who comes in contact with infants to be vaccinated.

Resources from the California Department of Public Health
Press Release: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/NR10-041.aspx
To access newly posted pertussis resources (e.g., an advisory for providers, information for pregnant women), go to the What's New section of   http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Pages/Default.aspx

Resources from the Immunization Action Coalition
To access a range of pertussis-related resources (e.g., VISs, standing orders), go to: http://www.immunize.org/handouts/pertussis-vaccines.asp

News stories: http://nursingworld.org/HomepageCategory/NursingInsider/California-Pertussis-Outbreak-Declared-Epidemic.aspx
http://www.latimes.com/news/health/la-me-0624-whooping-cough-20100624,0,3108944.story

These webpages include information for Health Care Providers, Parents, and Adolescents & Adults. Please click on the buttons below to view these additional pages.

The information is also available in Spanish (Español) for Padres and Adolescentes Y Adultos. 

Parents and health care providers also have an opportunity to Share Your Experience with others. 

NAPNAP promotes optimal health for children through leadership, practice, advocacy, education, and research. If you have comments or suggestions about this site, please send them to sharper@napnap.org. 
 

The information contained in the Pertussis Information Center should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your health care provider. There may be variations in treatment that your health care provider may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. The Pertussis Information Center is an educational project by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).