Two previous blog entries have discussed the issue of pertusis resurgence:

• Protecting the most vulnerable | gutsandgrowth
• Why Pertusis is resurgent –it’s not what you think | gutsandgrowth

More details on this epidemic have been published (J Pediatr 2012; 161: 1091-6, editorial 980).  There have been more Pertusis cases than in any period in the past 50 years.  Part of the problem is due to pertusis’ high reproduction number, 92-95% of the population must be protected against pertusis to halt transmission.

Specific issues highlighted in the report include the highest risk of severe disease occurring in the first 6 months of life, increased risk of disease in Hispanic infants despite similar immunization rates, and waning immunity in preadolescence.