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The original item was published from 8/20/2024 2:11:47 PM to 8/31/2024 12:00:01 AM.
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Public Health
Posted on: August 20, 2024[ARCHIVED] Pertussis Cases Increase in Massachusetts
Also known as "whooping cough," Pertussis is a highly contagious acute respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Following a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of pertussis in Massachusetts are increasing to pre-pandemic levels, particularly among adolescents. Cases to date in 2024 have been distributed evenly among males and females, and 75% of cases have been in adolescents (age 11-19), with an average age of 17. Cases have included several outbreaks among high school aged youth. Less than one percent of cases have been in children under six years of age.
Please see the Pertussis Clinical Advisory for details.
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Disease Reporting and Questions
Confirmed cases of pertussis are reportable to your local board of health. For questions about pertussis and diagnostic testing, please call an epidemiologist at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.
Test kits for pertussis culture: NP specimen collection kits for pertussis culture can be ordered from the MA SPHL Kit Room at 617-983-6640 or by email at: masphl.specimenkitorders@mass.gov
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