Pertussis in Louisiana

Abstract

Analysis of the surveillance data from the Louisiana Office of Public Health showed a progressive decline of pertussis in Louisiana. Louisiana rates are lower than those of the United States, and increased rates observed among adults in other states are not observed in Louisiana. This would likely be due a lack of suspicion for pertussis in adults and a resultant lack of diagnosis and reporting. Two recent outbreak investigations in a health facility are summarily described, showing that pertussis is still a major cause of concern for the healthcare community.