The Maricopa County Public Health Department announced its first recorded pertussis (whooping cough) death in an infant since 2009, last week. The infant was too young to be vaccinated and more than likely contracted the disease from an adult.
In 2011, nearly 700 cases of whooping cough were reported in Maricopa County including dozens of infants. This is a 41% increase over the previous year and over double the number of cases reported in 2009
“We need families to build a ‘cocoon’ around the newborn, meaning that everyone around the newborn; mom, dad, sisters, brother grandma, grandpa…everyone is up to date on their vaccinations, especially Tdap,” said Director of Maricopa County Public Health, Dr. Bob England.
Diphtheria Tetanus and acellular Pertussis or DTaP vaccine is given to children beginning at age 2 months. Over time, adolescents lose their immunity and require an additional booster. This booster dose known as Tdap, can be given to adolescents and adults and is especially critical for people who are around newborns, whom are too young to have any protection against pertussis but are most vulnerable to experience major complications.
• All persons who are close contacts of infants younger than 12 months of age (e.g., parents, grandparents, and child-care providers) and who have not received Tdap previously.
• Pregnant women during later pregnancy.
• Other adults who are close contacts of children younger than 12 months of age.