Information for NSW General Practitioners & Aboriginal Medical Services
- Cases of pertussis are increasing across NSW, particularly among school aged children
- Patients with symptoms consistent with pertussis should be tested, and restricted from attending school, childcare, or work until pertussis is excluded or 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy have been completed
- Testing of asymptomatic contacts is not recommended
Summary
Pertussis epidemics commonly occur every three to four years, and it is anticipated that cases will continue to increase into 2019. Identification, isolation, and appropriate treatment of symptomatic cases and contacts can help to prevent spread.