Pertussis in the portland metro-area in 2012

Background: During 2012, 776 cases of pertussis were reported in the Portland metro-area, the highest rates of pertussis since 1949. Due to the number of cases, we developed different techniques to increase community awareness. Methods: We reviewed case report forms and interviews conducted by public health nurses. Results: Using the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists' definition, we had 638 confirmed and probable pertussis cases. Infants had the highest rate (36.6/10,000) followed by 10-14 year olds (18.8/10,000). The median age was 10 (16 days-85 years old) and 23% were Hispanic. Symptoms included cough (100%), paroxysms (95%), posttussive vomiting (52%) and whoop (45%). The median duration of cough was 58 days (2-239 days). Seventeen cases were hospitalized and of those 71% were infants. Eighty-nine percent of cases were PCR positive and 14% were Culture positive. Also, 348 cases identified the setting in which they acquired pertussis—home (44%), school (39%), daycare (3%), place of worship (3%), work (2%) and other (9%). A total of 57% were fully vaccinated, 14% were under-vaccinated and 29% were un-vaccinated. Conclusions: During 2012, the Portland metro-area had an increase of pertussis cases. To inform the community we developed flyers, information for county websites, a television news feature and provider newsletters. Because of the high rate in 10-14 year olds, we also made a “back to school” packet for parents containing information about signs and symptoms, testing and vaccinations. ons.