Pertussis Resurgence: School Nurses as a Safety Net for Children

Abstract

After a decade of decreases in the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, in the late 1980s the incidence began to increase. Four vaccine preventable diseases, including pertussis, caused major epidemics, and children were the most vulnerable during these outbreaks. Due to waning immunity, genomic changes, and inadequate herd immunity in adults, infants and children are at risk for contracting pertussis. Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease. Pertussis is difficult to diagnose early because the presentation is similar to common problems such as bronchitis or upper respiratory infections. School nurses should be able to identify signs and symptoms in the earliest stage possible to prevent transmission and refer for treatment early. The purpose of this article is to provide school nurses with information to understand the disease and identify individuals infected with pertussis.