Classic pertussis infection in a two-year-old child with complete primary immunization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v32.i4.26495Keywords:
Bordetella pertussis, complete primary immunization, inspiratory whoop, paroxysms of coughing, pertussis infectionAbstract
Pertussis infection, or "whooping cough," is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. It can affect people of all ages, but is usually more severe in young infants. Despite high vaccination coverage worldwide, this infection remains a problem. Pertussis infection is spread by aerosolized droplets and the clinical presentation can vary with age and immunity. The classic presentation includes cough paroxysms, inspiratory whoop, and post-tussive vomiting. Laboratory confirmation is not necessary for diagnosis and should not delay treatment.
The authors present the case of a healthy two-year-old girl with a one-month history of dry paroxysmal cough with inspiratory whoop who was admitted to the Emergency Department for loss of consciousness during a coughing episode.
This case is intended to raise awareness of severe, life-threatening pertussis infection in children with complete primary immunization who present with respiratory symptoms consistent with this infection.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Mariana Gaspar, Filipa Sutre, Celina Couto, Alexandra Gavino, Filipa Vilarinho, Aldina Lopes
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