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Pertussis Information for Health Professionals

Contact Info

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division

651-201-5414

IDEPC Comment Form

Contact Info

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division

651-201-5414

IDEPC Comment Form

Follow-up Recommendations for Pertussis Exposures in the Health Care Setting

Health care workers exposed to a patient infected with pertussis
For health care workers (HCW) caring for a patient with pertussis, identify the type of exposure:

Type of HCW exposure (patient's cough was less than 21 days at time of exposure)	Recommended follow-up
Face-to-face contact with coughing or sneezing patient while HCW not masked, or Performing or assisting with procedures that induce coughing or produce aerosols while HCW not masked, or Presence in same room with coughing or sneezing patient while HCW not masked* and performing a close-contact activity (e.g., bathing, feeding).	Antibiotic prophylaxis or 21-day symptom watch from time of exposure: Decision whether to prophylax or initiate symptom watch should take into consideration the patient population seen by the HCW. Example: Antibiotics would likely be preferred over symptom watch for a HCW who staffs a neonatal intensive care unit.
Presence in same room with coughing or sneezing patient while HCW not masked* and without close contact.	Recommend 21-day symptom watch from time of exposure.

Type of HCW exposure (patient's cough was less than 21 days at time of exposure)

Recommended follow-up

Face-to-face contact with coughing or sneezing patient while HCW not masked*, or

Performing or assisting with procedures that induce coughing or produce aerosols while HCW not masked*, or

Presence in same room with coughing or sneezing patient while HCW not masked* and performing a close-contact activity (e.g., bathing, feeding).

Antibiotic prophylaxis or 21-day symptom watch from time of exposure:

Decision whether to prophylax or initiate symptom watch should take into consideration the patient population seen by the HCW. Example: Antibiotics would likely be preferred over symptom watch for a HCW who staffs a neonatal intensive care unit.

Presence in same room with coughing or sneezing patient while HCW not masked* and without close contact.

Recommend 21-day symptom watch from time of exposure.

Patients/staff exposed to a health care worker infected with pertussis
For patients or staff in close contact with an infected HCW, identify the type of exposure:

Type of patient exposure (HCW's cough was less than 21 days at time of exposure)	Recommended follow-up
If a HCW has pertussis, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for guidance.
HCW was masked* while infectious and working with patients.	No notification of patients is needed.
HCW was not masked* while infectious and had contact with patients less than 12 months of age or pregnant women.	Call MDH and notify of exposure. MDH will work with you to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis letters** and/or phone calls.
HCW was not masked* while infectious and had contact with patients who had a pre-existing lung condition that would make them susceptible to a more severe case of pertussis.	Mail notification letter** and recommend post-exposure prophylaxis.
HCW was not masked* while infectious and patient was not less than 12 months old, pregnant, or otherwise compromised with a lung condition.	Mail notification letter** recommending testing if symptoms develop.
Staff who worked with an infected HCW and had prolonged, close proximity, and unprotected contact.	Recommend antibiotic prophylaxis or 21-day symptom watch from time of exposure: Decision whether to prophylax or initiate symptom watch should take into consideration the patient population seen by the exposed HCW. Example: For exposed HCW that normally sees patients who are pregnant or less than 12 months of age, antibiotics may be preferred over a 21-day symptom watch.

* Surgical or procedure mask is sufficient.
** Letter templates are available through MDH.

Pertussis Treatment and Prophylaxis
This site provides treatment guidance with information about appropriate antimicrobials and dosage amounts.
Repeat exposures
For questions on whether or not to repeat prophylaxis, please call
651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414.

References

Shefer, A. et al. (November 2011). Immunization of Health-Care Personnel: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 60(RR07);1-45.
Goins, William P. et al. (January 2012). A Comparison of two Strategies to Prevent Infection Following Pertussis in Vaccinated Health Care Personnel. Clinical Infectious Disease.