This year 61 cases have been reported, 18 of these were reported in October. Of these 18 cases, 11 were from Turlock and at least 3 were due to a common exposure. Many others were symptomatic, but not tested. Infected cases ranged in age from 3 months to 67 years, with 5 cases being 11 years old. A graph of case counts by calendar year quarter is attached.

“We have been monitoring this issue closely for the past two years. We identified an increase during 2003, but cases decreased during 2004. ” stated Dr. John Walker, Public Health Officer for Stanislaus County. “This June we notified healthcare providers of a regional outbreak in the valley. They were updated again last week because the recommended intervention did not appear to be tapering this outbreak.”

Trudi Prevette, Public Health Communicable Disease nurse says, "After confirming the diagnosis of Pertussis, nurses immediately begin contact investigation to determine if any preventive antibiotics are necessary".

Nancy Bancroft, Public Health nurse for Stanislaus County says, “The vaccine that contains Pertussis (Tdap) is available for 10 years of age and older at the Stanislaus County Public Health Department, located at 820 Scenic Drive in Modesto. The office is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. -5:30pm and Friday 9:00 a.m.-11a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. The cost for ages 10 through 18 is $10 and the cost for 19 and older is $94.50. The vaccine provides protection against Pertussis, Tetanus and Diphtheria.” The vaccine is also available from private physicians and clinics.

Important: Report cases of suspected and confirmed Pertussis to our communicable disease department at 558-5678 or fax 558-7531. Public Health nurses will follow-up with case contacts immediately to determine if prophylaxis is needed.