An outbreak of pertussis in a hematology-oncology care unit: implications for adult vaccination policy

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2006 Jan;27(1):92-5. doi: 10.1086/500420. Epub 2006 Jan 6.

Abstract

A pertussis outbreak in a hematology-oncology care unit involved 10 (8.5%) of 117 employees. The source was an employee who contracted pertussis via a family contact. No screened patients contracted pertussis, likely because of isolation measures. Hospitals should consider employee immunization with acellular vaccine in healthcare settings where pertussis has high rates of morbidity and mortality.

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers
  • Adult
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New Hampshire
  • Oncology Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pertussis Vaccine
  • Whooping Cough / epidemiology*
  • Whooping Cough / prevention & control
  • Whooping Cough / transmission

Substances

  • Pertussis Vaccine