Dear Providers:
There have been cases of pertussis (whooping cough) identified in Kentucky. If the children you are working with are coughing, even if they have been vaccinated, please talk with the child’s parent’s/guardians.
If the child is at high-risk for developing severe illness from pertussis, or lives with someone who is at high risk for developing severe illness from pertussis, see a healthcare provider. If pertussis is diagnosed, antibiotics might be an option for the patient. Those considered high-risk for severe illness from pertussis are:
- Infants < 12 months old
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with a weakened immune system or a pre-existing health condition that could be made worse by a severe cough
- Moderate to severe medically treated asthma
Additional guidance may be found on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/pertussis
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local CCHC consultant, your local health department or the CCHC TA Center at: 1-877-281-5277.